Home Foundation Inspection

Author: Martin Dawson

Author: Martin Dawson

A Home Foundation Inspection is designed to give the homeowner a complete summary of the condition of his/her home's foundation and make repair suggestions if needed. The inspection will cover a number of areas and objectives for the homeowner. Usually a foundation anomaly is recognized by a home inspector, general building contractor, building code compliance inspector, or the homeowner. Then a foundation design engineer or expert foundation repair company is called to inspect the foundation.

A Home Foundation Inspection can be performed by those whose have a great deal of field experience and/or education with foundations. They can readily recognize the signs of foundation and structural problems with a careful building inspection. And they can recommend repair and stabilization solutions for most situations. However, large structures or extremely severe foundation problems may require engineering analysis prior to repairs.

The objective of the Home Foundation Inspection is to give the homeowner not only a summary of the foundation's condition, but also options for repair and stabilization. The first step in the inspection is the examination of the exterior portion of the foundation. The outside of the home will be measured and then examined for signs of foundation problems. Any cracks in the foundation or brickwork will be noted. Cracks around doors, windows, and the garage will also be noted as signs of foundation movement. A diagram will be drawn of the home's perimeter and all signs of foundation movement or settlement will be indicated.

The next step of the Home Foundation Inspection will be a complete review and examination of the interior portion of the foundation of the home. The most critical part of this phase is determining the floor elevations of all rooms throughout the home. Usually a computerized water level is used to make these determinations. The computerized water level is placed at the point of highest elevation in the home and all other rooms in the home are measured in relation to this high point. The thickness of floor coverings, such as tile and carpet, are taken into consideration when making calculations. The diagram of the home is then updated with all interior notes and measurements.

The third step of the Home Foundation Inspection consists of a visual examination of the interior. It is conducted to determine if there are signs of foundation movement in the interior. Cracked sheetrock, doors that do not open and close properly, and windows that are jamming are obvious signs of foundation problems. Interior crown molding and attic framing that are pulling apart are also signs that will be noted.

The fourth step of a Home Foundation Inspection is the formation of the conclusion. There are a number of questions the inspector must answer. Does the inspector think the home foundation was level at the time of construction? Is the home relatively level or is one part of the home higher than the rest? Has the inspector identified the causes of the foundation movement and settlement that have created the physical signs of damage? Has the inspector developed several options for the homeowner?

The final step in a Home Foundation Inspection is the explanation to the homeowner. The inspector will offer his explanation of what is causing the signs of foundation movement and settlement. The inspector will separate cosmetic concerns (cracked exterior brick), from problems that question the structural integrity of the home (six inch elevation differences in the home). The inspector should give the homeowner the detailed diagram of the home with his notes. And finally, the inspector should offer one or more options to repair, stabilize, and level the foundation for the long term. There are various repair options on the market, each with their advantages and disadvantages and costs.About the Author:

Martin Dawson is the co-founder of Dawson Foundation Repair headquartered in Houston, Texas. He is a leading authority on repairing failed commercial and home foundations using the time tested and thoroughly researched drilled Bell Bottom Pier method. His company has serviced Texas and other southern states since 1984.

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