Cracks in your walls, uneven floors, or doors that won’t close properly can be early signs of foundation issues. If you’ve noticed any of these problems, it may be time to schedule a foundation inspection. Below, we’ll explain what happens during a foundation inspection and how to prepare for it.
The Foundation Inspection Process
A thorough foundation inspection follows a structured process to assess the stability of your home. Every home is different, so our approach is tailored to each property’s specific needs. Below are the steps we take to ensure nothing is overlooked.
1. Listening to the Homeowner’s Concerns
We always begin by listening to the homeowner. You might have noticed cracks in the walls, sloping floors, or doors sticking. These observations help guide our inspection. However, what you perceive as a major issue might be minor, and vice versa. That’s why a full evaluation is essential.
2. Interior Inspection
Once we understand your concerns, we begin the interior inspection. This includes:
- Checking the foundation walls for visible cracks or shifting.
- Assessing floor levels to detect uneven surfaces.
- Inspecting support posts and beams for stability and wear.
- Examining the overall material consistency to determine structural integrity.
Every home has a unique history, and some issues might not be alarming to a long-time homeowner but could indicate a larger problem. We document everything, even minor imperfections, so they can be monitored over time.
3. Exterior Inspection
After inspecting the interior, we move outside to evaluate the exterior foundation. This step helps us identify:
- Cracks or bowing in the foundation walls
- Signs of shifting or settling
- Water drainage issues that could impact the foundation
- Concrete quality and material composition
An exterior inspection helps ensure that nothing is missed. Sometimes, exterior damage is more noticeable than interior issues, which is why we always conduct both assessments.
Factors That Affect Inspection Time
While most foundation inspections take 45 minutes to 2 hours, several factors can extend or shorten the time:
1. Size of the Home
A larger home takes longer to inspect, as there is more ground to cover both inside and out.
2. Accessibility
If clutter or furniture blocks parts of the foundation, it can slow the process. In cases where hoarding is an issue, we may not be able to inspect certain areas properly. We always recommend clearing space before the inspection.
3. Severity of Issues
Some homes have obvious foundation problems, which require more detailed evaluation. If we need to investigate further or perform additional measurements, the inspection will take longer.
The Importance of a Visual Inspection
One of the most critical aspects of a foundation inspection is seeing the damage firsthand. We always encourage homeowners to be present during the inspection so we can point out concerns as we find them. Many times, a homeowner may not have noticed certain cracks or shifts, and seeing them in person helps them understand the potential risks.
We take pride in providing honest assessments and documenting even minor imperfections. If a small crack becomes a bigger issue down the line, you’ll already have a record of it.
Preparing for Your Inspection
To make the process as efficient as possible, here’s what you can do before your scheduled inspection:
- Clear clutter near the foundation: If storage items are blocking access, move them beforehand.
- Take note of problem areas: Write down any cracks or issues you’ve noticed.
- Be available during the inspection: This allows us to explain findings in real time.
What Happens After the Inspection?
Once the inspection is complete, we provide:
- A detailed report of our findings, including photos and descriptions.
- Recommendations for necessary repairs or monitoring.
- An opportunity to ask questions and discuss possible solutions.
In Summary
A foundation inspection typically takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the size of the home, accessibility, and severity of the issues. Our process includes a detailed interior and exterior assessment to ensure no potential problems are missed.
If you suspect foundation problems in your home, contact us today to schedule an inspection. Our expert team is ready to help protect the stability of your home.
