Quite possibly the most-common question we get asked. The obvious answer is, of course you can! But you are going to take a serious hit on the price.
When it comes to your home’s foundation, we were never taught about this in school growing up. In Home Economics, we never learned what keeps the home standing, just how to use the things inside it. And now here we are, 20 years later and you are selling your first home and WHAM!, home inspector hits you with Foundation Issues. The first and most common reaction is “Well I never had an issue with it before!”
Having an Issue vs Knowing about an Issue
We all know the difference. And we all know that we can tend to ignore issues as well. We’re all guilty of it. How long do your car’s brakes squeal before you take them in to get repaired? Last time you had a car wash? How long does that tooth ache or pain in your side last until you decide it’s time to see a doctor?
Besides us ignoring small problems until they become larger problems, we have another issue. Actually knowing a problem exists. When it comes to your foundation, there may be problems and signs of those problems that you simply do not recognize. For instance, do you know that signs of Foundation Issues can be:
Drywall Cracking
Especially at corners of doors and windows, drywall cracking can signify serious foundation issues. **Red Flag is when you repair a drywall crack and it comes back!**
Masonry Cracking
While your brick tuck pointing will need to be re-done every 10 years or so, that does not mean that an issue with your tuck pointing is normal. Stair-stepping cracks in brick can signify Foundation Settlement.
Doors and Windows Sticking
Those old windows that you assume are just old and won’t open? They may be stuck as a result of the frames being out of square because the Foundation Moved.
Signs Of Foundation Failure
The most common signs of foundation problems include the following:
- Wall cracks (both interior and exterior)
- Doors and windows that stick or are difficult to open/close
- Sloping or uneven floors
- Gaps between walls and ceilings or floors.
- Stair step cracks in brick or masonry
- Bowed walls
- Chimneys or porches that are leaning away from the house
If you see any of the above – or anything else that seems suspicious – contact a foundation repair contractor right away and ask for an inspection.
It’s Not Too Late
So, you’re selling your home and an inspector has told you there are Foundation Issues. What now? First things first. Before anything else happens, be sure to call a professional of your own. You CANNOT always trust the buyer’s home inspector, or the buyers themselves. What may be a simple foundation crack can be touted to be a major foundation issue. Do not be fooled! Our website has transparent pricing and explanatory videos for every service we provide.
Luckily, Foundation Issues can be dealt with. They can be repaired and even rectified back to normal, in many cases. This can be tricky during a sale, however, as timelines and tempers are all the rage. Ha! Get it?
Learn more about – Steps To Take To Keep Your Basement Dry
Cost Of Foundation Repair
Foundation repair cost can vary depending on several factors. One of the primary factors is the extent of the damage to the foundation. Another factor that can affect the cost of foundation repair is the type of foundation. Different types of foundations, such as slab, pier and beam, or basement, all require different repair methods, which can impact the cost. Additionally, the cost of foundation repair may also be affected by the location of the home and local building codes.
Saving the Sale
Should this happen to you, don’t fret. You can learn an amazing amount on Foundation Repair on the rest of our website, including:
- Repair Techniques, including videos showcasing the repairs
- Pricing
- Did we mention we have TRANSPARENT pricing on our website?
- TONS of information
Next thing to do is get an evaluation of your own. Not by a Home Inspector, but by a Foundation Professional. Many times, even with the inspection period, the professional can evaluate the home and determine what is wrong.
Even if the repairs cannot be completed in the time allotted, there are solutions. At Real Seal, we can send a certified letter to the buyer, showing them that we have been contracted to repair the issues with the foundation. The letter would further show that the repairs have a warranty that transfers to the buyers.
We have done this many times in order to get both parties satisfied and protected. We’ve even been at closings! So, if you have a home you are selling, give us a call! And remember:
“Not Everything’s Better When Wet!”
