Know Your Cracks: A Guide to Gauging Foundation Repair Severity
As a homeowner inspects a crack in their drywall or attempts to unstick an interior door that won’t close, they are looking at what could be a major source of anxiety. They are seeing foundation repairs that could turn into a big “house problem.”
Most homeowners look at this type of “house problem” as a triple threat, considering the repair cost, safety concerns, and the effect on property value.
Let’s look at each one of these concerns in further detail.
Cost: The “Open Checkbook” Fear
The words “foundation repair” are two words that many homeowners fear because of the large price tag associated with the repair.
When you remodel a bathroom or a kitchen, you know what countertops will cost and what the cabinetry will cost. With this kind of repair project, the fear is in the unknown. Your foundation is buried and not visible for the most part. The fear escalates when the digging begins of an affordable patch job growing to a $30,000-$50,000 foundation reconstruction.
Most homeowners’ insurance does not cover foundation repair (unless the repair is needed because of a burst pipe or weather event), which means that the cost will be out-of-pocket.
Safety: Protecting Your Family and Your Home’s Structural Integrity
When your home seems to be “unsafe,” the sense of fear is heightened. A total collapse of a home due to a foundation issue is very rare. However, it is often in the back of the mind of a homeowner during the foundation repair process.
There is also the fear of a “domino effect” in the thought that the repair will lead to secondary damage requiring additional repairs. The worry is that foundation repair issues will cause plumbing issues, roof separation, and electrical repair issues. Homeowners create a vision of their home breaking apart from the foundation up.
Decreased Home Value: The Home For Sale Blacklist
Homes with foundation issues can seem like they are unsellable. You are legally required to disclose foundation repair issues in most states. Many times, homeowners assume that foundation repairs will scare off potential buyers, or it will lower the listing price of their home. In addition, some banks are reluctant to finance a home if a building engineer has not approved the repairs.
On the flipside, full disclosure of a home that has had the foundation repaired can be a selling point especially in areas where foundation settling is common.
How to Gauge Your Foundation Repair Severity
- Hairline Drywall Cracks: Most of the time, they are of low concern since the cracks are a result of the natural settling of your home or changes in humidity.
- Doors and Windows Sticking: The concern rises with the severity of how many or how much your doors and windows are sticking. These two issues are generally caused by shifting and or the home’s frame warping.
- Horizontal Foundation Cracks: Seeing horizontal cracks in basement walls is of high concern. These cracks are a result of hydrostatic pressure or the pressure from the soil pushing against the wall.
- Stair-Step Cracks in Brick: Cracks in your brick in a stair-step pattern are of great concern and should be addressed right away. These cracks result in a substantial corner settlement of your foundation.
Call the Foundation Repair Inspection Experts
Don’t let the uncertainty of a structural issue compromise your peace of mind or your home’s long-term value. Taking early action is the most effective way to manage the potential costs and safety concerns associated with foundation repair. Our experts are ready to help you move past the guesswork by identifying exactly what your home needs to stay level and secure. Call Affordable Concrete Solutions today at 270-635-3324 to schedule your comprehensive foundation repair assessment and protect your greatest investment.
