To check your foundation, hire a licensed structural engineer for an unbiased assessment, or call a specialized foundation repair contractor (many offer free estimates).
You will want to hire a structural engineer to come inspect the integrity of the house. It's always a good idea to hire your own anytime you are about to purchase a new home.
Foundation Check-Up Tips
You can contract a structural engineer now to check the foundations, assuming the sellers will allow invasive checks, or wait until you own the house and assess from there. Also just to note that you'd need to re-apply for planning permission if you were to add another storey now.
Yes, you can sell a home with foundation cracks, but you'll need to meet disclosure requirements. It's necessary to inform potential buyers about the issue. However, keep in mind that foundation problems might raise concerns for buyers. They might request a price reduction or ask you to fix the issues before purchase.
The price for a foundation inspection typically falls between $300 and $1,000, with the national average hovering around $600. It's helpful to think of this not as a cost, but as an investment in your home's long-term stability and your own peace of mind.
In construction, foundations are broadly divided into two main categories—shallow and deep—which encompass four primary types used to support structures.
Cold weather slows soil movement, making winter one of the best foundation inspection and repair times. Unlike spring and summer, when moisture and temperature changes cause shifting, winter's stability allows professionals to assess damage and implement long-lasting solutions accurately.
Dwelling coverage, or Coverage A on your homeowners insurance policy, may cover foundation damage caused by covered perils. If the foundation damage is due to negligence, your insurance won't cover the repair cost.
A standard house foundation typically lasts between 80 and 100 years. While concrete can technically endure for centuries, its actual lifespan depends heavily on the initial construction quality, soil stability, local climate, and the level of maintenance provided over the years.
The best places to test foundation are beauty retailers like Sephora or Ulta Beauty. Both offer professional color-matching services and allow you to test formulas directly on your skin or receive custom samples to test in natural daylight. You can also use online virtual try-on tools from brands like Maybelline before buying.
So, can you live in a house during foundation repair? In most cases, absolutely. With the right planning and support, you can keep on going about your daily routine while we take care of restoring your home's structural integrity.
Keep reading to learn how to spot the signs of foundation movement.
The biggest red flag in a home inspection is compromised structural integrity, frequently caused by hidden water damage or foundation issues. While minor electrical or plumbing fixes are easy to manage, structural failures compromise the safety of the entire home and can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair.
Many sellers assume repairs will hurt their chances — but in reality, foundation repair can increase home value. When you repair, you: Remove the biggest red flag buyers fear. Show that you've taken care of the property.
Water is the most common enemy of concrete surfaces. When water penetrates the surface of concrete, it can cause it to crack and weaken. This is especially true in colder climates where water can freeze and expand, creating even more damage.
Expert Advice
Foundation problems only get worse the longer they're ignored. If you've noticed cracks, uneven floors, or moisture problems around your home, it's time to take action. Even if the damage seems small, an inspection today can prevent costly repairs tomorrow.
The best foundation depends on your climate, soil type, and budget, but poured concrete is widely considered the strongest and most durable option. For specific structures like a home, the layout is typically built using one of three primary styles.
Type #2: Deep Foundations
Foundations that transfer structural loads to deeper, more stable layers of soil or rock, often used when surface soils are weak or when the load from the structure is large. Deep foundations extend deeper into the earth compared to shallow foundations.
I've personally tested and researched the top clean beauty brands — these are my picks for the best natural, nontoxic foundations.
Not all houses will experience serious, structural foundation failures, but almost all houses experience some degree of natural settlement or minor cracking over time. While foundations can last 80–100 years, factors like soil type, water drainage, and aging materials make maintenance necessary to prevent major issues.
While small hairline cracks from normal settling are common, watch for horizontal, diagonal, or stair-step cracks wider than 1/8 inch. These are often symptoms of foundation stress or failure, requiring timely repair to prevent escalation.