Thinking of buying a new home?

You likely have a few options already. But whether it’s an old or new house, it’s not just the space, location, or aesthetic you should look at. The structure of the home is important too, especially your foundation.

But what should you look for?

Check for interior and exterior cracks

If you’ve been following us on Facebook or have read our past blogs, you’ll know that cracks are one of the common signs of foundation damage.

Where should you be looking?

• Around doors
• Around windows
• Stairs
• Walls
• Ceilings

 

Check the windows and doors

Aside from looking for cracks around your doors and windows, you should also check how they open and close.

If they keep on jamming, it may be caused by foundation shifting.

 

Check the floors

Uneven and squeaky floors are also signs of a damaged foundation. But while you can hear whenever a floor squeaks, it’s not always easy to spot uneven or sloping floors.

To test it out, try placing a pencil (or a marble, if you have one handy for some reason) on the floor and see if it keeps on rolling to one side. If it does, it’s probably caused by the foundation settling underneath.

 

Check the landscaping

Believe it or not, the plants and trees outside your home affect your foundation and possible foundation problems too.

Tree roots can push against your foundation underneath the soil, which can cause settling and foundation cracks. So it’s always a good idea to take a look at the garden surrounding your home.

 

Check the drainage system

Too much moisture inside and outside your home can also damage your foundation. That’s why you should look for a home with a good drainage system and a landscape layout that allows the water to flow away from your home instead of gathering or pooling around it.

Look for puddles or standing water at the corners of your home or around it. The downspouts should also be facing away from your house so water doesn’t seep directly through the soil around your foundation.

 

Check for pests and critters

Pests and critters are also signs and causes of foundation damage.

For example, bugs are drawn to dampness and moisture and can crawl through small cracks. Moles and ground squirrels create underground tunnels in your yard or even dig through your crawl space. And some bees and termites make their homes in wooden structures, such as your support structures, wood beams, and sliding materials.

So look for signs of digging such as torn grass, messed up soil, or even slight sinking when you step on the ground. But it may also be a good idea to get an expert to help you inspect your space and find the best solution.

And if you need help inspecting your home before you buy it (and if you already have), call the experts at SSR and start with a FREE estimate.