The Importance of Regular Foundation Inspections
As with most repairs, detecting smaller problems before they develop can save time and money and increase safety.
The foundation is the most essential part of any building, yet sadly overlooked when it comes to maintenance and repair. Any damages or structural weaknesses at a building's base can be a domino effect of problems for the rest of the structure. Let's discuss how regular foundation inspection by a professional is crucial to prevent this from happening.
Early detection of problems
As with most repairs, detecting smaller problems before they develop can save time and money and increase safety. Perhaps the foundation was set prematurely, and cracks have already begun to form. The crawlspace's waterproofing may not be adequate, and wood rot has started to set in. A professional service will be able to detect these issues early and advise the best course of action.
Promote structural integrity
Problems with the base of a building can very quickly spread upwards. Repairing a foundational imbalance or gradual subsidence is safer and cheaper if caught quickly. A regular inspection by a professional service may seem trivial, especially compared to maintenance such as roof repair. Still, it's much less than having to rebound from the entire house collapsing due to negligence.
The ravages of extreme weather and disaster
Extreme weather can also cause havoc on a house's foundations. For example, a year with heavy rainfall can cause mold and mildew buildup but may even cause soil erosion around a building's foundation. Natural disasters like earthquakes may even shift the base of the building. Having foundations inspected after any major disaster or severe weather event is important.
It increases property value
When looking to buy property, buyers will be happier with a house that has been recently checked for structural integrity. Inspecting the foundation of a structure before selling helps identify any problems to fix before the sale. It can be a powerful incentive for buyers.
The essentials of a foundation inspection
A foundation inspection is a good idea, but what does it entail? A professional (usually a structural engineer) will spend about two hours inspecting the foundation of the building without repairing or charging for anything else.
Unlike a home inspection, it focuses solely on the foundation and the parts adjoining it. The inspector will factor in the plumbing, the state of the walls, and the crawlspace. The foundation will be checked for cracks, bowing, discoloration, pest infestation, or wood rot. They will check the waterproofing and look for leaks and mold. They will also inspect the walls inside the house for gaps, cracks, or loose nails.
Get a detailed report
After the inspection, the inspector should provide you with a list of problems and potential issues. A professional report will also contain a variety of solutions, be it temporary or permanent, as well as recommendations for the homeowner to take going forward. From that report, you'll be well-informed on what to do next.
Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake provide foundation, basement, and crawlspace installation and repair for the greater Baltimore area homeowners.
Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake provide foundation, basement, and crawlspace installation and repair for the greater Baltimore area homeowners:
