Foundation Inspections: Why It's Crucial for Your Home’s Safety and Value. 

When was the last time you thought about your home’s foundation? If you’re like most people, the idea of checking your home’s foundation hasn’t crossed your mind. When you come home, you’re not thinking about cracks in your stem wall, soil heaving, or moisture barriers. You’re thinking about your comfy couch. We feel that a home’s foundation comes with the expectation of reliability. We don’t think about it because, for the most part, we don’t see it every day. But an annual foundation inspection, much like a doctor’s appointment, is necessary for the longevity of your home. 

So why Inspect your foundation at all? 

The mindset that your home’s foundation is immune from damage isn’t uncommon. It comes from a place where, as said before, Since we don’t see it every day and nothing is happening, then it’s fine. When a slab crack occurs or the signs appear in droves, you’re looking at heavy repairs and high costs. Peace time is preparation time. When you get an inspection done, you could end up with a clean bill of health. You might be facing heavy repairs. But with heavy repairs, you’re guaranteed stability, warranties, and a new position to keep track of your foundation’s health.  

What happens during an inspection? 

When a Design Specialist arrives at your home, they will check all the signs of foundation issues that you know of. After they see all the signs, they will explain the process: 

What does an inspection cost? 

You can anticipate that certain foundation repair companies will charge $300-$800 for an inspection. This will depend on the size and level of damage found. There is a lot of work that goes into a foundation inspection. At Arizona Foundation Solutions we don’t charge for an inspection unless it needs to be expedited by Real Estate Agents.  

Is the Inspection intrusive?  

To get accurate readings, the home must be in good order. Furniture might need to be adjusted to make this happen. Since floor readings are necessary to gain the most accurate results, it’s important to have the area as clear as possible. Understand that a foundation inspection will include going into areas of the home you normally wouldn’t allow most people to enter. Bedroom closets and bathrooms, among others, will need to be accessed.  

How Long does it take? 

This will vary depending on the size of the home, the amount of damage, if the area is clear. In the best-case scenario with everything going well, you can anticipate  an average time of  2-3 hours 

When should I get an inspection? 

Different answers. The reality is you should have it inspected sooner rather than later. If you see signs of foundation issues, be proactive. Sometimes the band-aid just needs to be ripped off. Treat your home the same way you treat your health. Have it inspected annually and monitor any movements that could occur. Watch for any moisture intrusion, erosion, sinking or signs of stress. Begin today for the sake of your home’s longevity.