Cracks in the property’s bricks that follow a stair-step pattern are usually a sure sign that you need work done to your foundation.

Cracks near doors are often caused by foundation problems, like all cracks they will get worse if the cause is not corrected.

Cracks near windows and window separation mean your foundation may have problems.

Other signs of foundation problems are:

• Brick and mortar cracks
• Sheetrock/drywall cracks
• Doors sticking
• Window separation
• Cracks in flooring
• Frieze board separation
• Trim or wall plate separation
• Expansion joint movement
• Obvious slopes or heaves in the floor(s)
• Separation or cracks in ceiling
• Washed out spots under your foundation that leave the foundation exposed are typically bad
• Doors and windows in your client’s property become harder to open and close at different times of the year

It depends on the location and cause of your movement as well as the type of foundation you have. Slab Foundations (both residential & commercial) can be repaired by installing Concrete or Steel Piers. Pier and Beam Foundations can be repaired by adding or replacing concrete and/or wood supports along with additional services such as excavation, crawlspace ventilation etc. An evaluation conducted by a foundation repair specialist, home inspector, or engineer can determine the correct course of action to repair a home.

• Improper Drainage – Noticeable when water pools near the foundation after a heavy rain
• Improper Construction
• Under-hydration leading to settling/Over-hydration leading to heaving
• Clay soil movement creating radical expansion and/or contraction of the foundation
• Negative Grading causing water to flow towards the foundation/No Grading causing water to pool near the foundation
• Lack of gutters/Improperly installed gutters/Poor diversion and displacement of water brought on by gutter placement
• Poor installations such as: French Drains retaining water rather than diverting, busted downspouts brought on by extreme wear and tear, leaving wooden shims between piers to rot instead of using steel shims, etc.
• Environmental Factors such as: Sun, Wind, and Humidity creating Drought, Flooding, and Standing Water conditions
• Trees and Large Shrubs in close proximity to the foundation can do two things: absorb water easily leading to drying soils, and tree roots invading the foundation and/or plumbing.

Yes… and no. Yes, you can sell your house if it has foundation problems–however, 1) as long as the buyer pays cash for the house AND 2) agrees to buy it even with the existing foundation problems.

Typically, the only people that can afford to buy a home with unfixed foundation problems and pay cash for it are investors. An investor usually will NOT give you the price you or your client want for a property, and that will hurt YOUR bottom line.

However, more and more mortgage companies will NOT lend on a house that has foundation problems until they have been fixed. They don’t see it as a safe investment for them or for the buyer. Master Builders, Remodelers & Guaranteed Foundation Repairs has a program where you can fund at closing* (or pay when the house is sold.)

*Certain conditions apply.

No, not really. The best time to fix foundation problems is as soon as possible! Putting off or prolonging the period of time in which a repair is completed could cause more or unnecessary damages to your home. Your home is shifting and will continue to do so unless your home is stabilized.

The home needs time to settle after a repair is completed. Wet or dry soil conditions can delay the settling. We typically recommend that you wait 30 days after we complete the foundation repairs on your home before beginning any other repairs such as: sheet rock repair, cracks in walls and brick, windows, doors, room additions, remodeling, paint, or flooring, etc.

Fix the foundation first! Then, remodel the home.

• Seasoned experience and how long they’ve been in business
• If the company uses independent engineers to verify repairs
• Provides a plumbing test after the repair to verify the stability of the home
• Provides a warranty on the company’s repairs when completed
• Do your own research outside what anyone tells you. This even includes us.

You’ll be doing yourself a disservice by not addressing the issue. The home will begin to experience foundation issues brought on by the excess water. The soil beneath the home will swell or erode causing heaving or settling. The lack of soil can create pockets of air where the soil is pulling away. This can damage current piers, beams, and wooden substructures in place to support the structure. This will almost certainly void warranties if repairs aren’t documented and left unchecked.

You will need to reference your terms and conditions to see what is required of the homeowner. Leak detection is done to verify that the underlying problem as a potential or active leak is in either system. Repairing the leak is your best option.