If you’re in the market for a new home, one of the most important things to consider is the foundation. Not all foundations are created equal – some are much sturdier than others. The term “A good foundation” is not just limited to homes or buildings, and we can name several reasons. A good foundation is a difference between success and failure; the same can be said for your homes. A good foundation ensures that you won’t have to be a victim of foundation problems for the foreseeable future. So, what makes a good foundation?
Permanence: Your home’s foundation should be placed in a way that it won’t be affected by any construction works in the future. It should also be able to withstand external forces, such as floods or earthquakes. This is because shifts or damages to the soil around the foundation will cause the soil to move around and ruin your foundation.
Stability and cohesion: The soil around the foundation should be compacted to provide stability. This is especially important if you live in an area with a lot of rainfall. The compacted soil will prevent water from seeping into the foundation and causing cracks.
Drainage: Another important factor to consider is drainage. There should be a way for water to drain away from the foundation so that it doesn’t pool around your home and cause damage. Gutters are a common solution to this problem.
Depth: The foundation should be placed deep enough into the ground so that it isn’t affected by changes in temperature. This is because the temperature can cause the soil to expand or contract, putting pressure on the foundation and causing cracks.
Consistency: Is your foundation even a foundation if it is not consistent? A good foundation should be made of concrete or another strong material that will not shift over time. This is because a shifting foundation will cause cracks and damage your home.
While these are the basic characteristics of every good foundation, its hard to gauge them when purchasing a home. So, what should you do to evaluate the foundation when buying?
Bring in a professional: The best thing you can do when buying a new home is to have a foundation expert accompany you. A foundation expert can tell you if the foundation is good or not. They will also be able to tell you if there have been any problems with the home’s foundation.
Look at the history: It’s important to ask for repair history when purchasing any home. Some homeowners may try to unload their problem-plagued homes to unsuspecting buyers. If you are seriously considering purchasing a home, try learning about its repair history. However, you aren’t guaranteed proper information even if you ask the homeowners. So, the best thing you can do is take a repair professional with you for a site visit.
Keep an eye out for warning signs: There are several symptoms of foundation problems. Things like cracks in the walls, sticky doors, or windows that won’t close properly can all indicate a foundation issue. If you see any of these things, have the home inspected by a professional.
Purchasing a home is a huge investment, and it’s important to ensure you are getting your money’s worth. The foundation is one of the most important aspects of any home, so don’t take it lightly. But does this mean you should not consider a home with foundation problems during purchase?
While we don’t actively recommend hunting for homes with foundation problems for purchase, there are more than a few ways that you can do this. The end goal is to ensure that your house is safe, you don’t experience any problems in the future, and, more importantly, you get a good deal out of it. With that in mind, here are a few things to evaluate when purchasing a home with foundation problems.
The cost of repairs: The first thing you need to consider is the cost of repairs. How much will it cost to fix the foundation? Is it a minor problem or a major one? Can you live in the home while the repairs are being made? These are all important questions that you need to answer before making an offer on a home with foundation problems.
The severity of the problem: Not all foundation problems are created equal. Some may be small cracks that can be easily fixed, while others may be large cracks that indicate a more serious issue. It’s important to evaluate the severity of the problem before making an offer on the home.
The location of the problem: The location of the problem can also affect your decision. If the problem is in a small area, it may be easier and less expensive to fix. However, if the problem is located in a large area or affects multiple parts of the home, it will be more difficult and costly to repair.
The type of foundation: The type of foundation can also affect your decision. Some foundations are easier to repair than others. For example, concrete foundations are typically easier to fix than those made of brick or stone.
The age of the home: The age of the house can also play a role in your decision. Older homes are more likely to have foundation problems because they have had more time for the issues to develop. However, this doesn’t mean that all older homes have foundation problems.
Rest of the home: The condition of the rest of the house is also important to consider. If the rest of the home is in good condition, it may be easier to repair the foundation. However, if the rest of the home is in poor condition, it may be more difficult to repair the foundation.
There are many things to consider when purchasing a home with foundation problems. However, if you take your time and research, you can find a good deal on a safe and sturdy home. Just remember to bring in a professional to help you evaluate the situation and ensure you get a fair price. With their help, you can find a solid foundation for your new home.
