Should I Buy a House That Had a Foundation Repair?
You have surely found your dream house, perfectly located, with the amenities you desire, and within your budget. Then you learn there was a past foundation repair done on the house. What will your reaction be? Leave it or just move on? When homebuyers hear about the foundation issues, they often hesitate at the news, with visions of costly repairs and structural instability coming in their heads. Is a repaired foundation always bad news? Or could it instead mean a piece of good news and a well-kept property?
Having the knowledge to interpret foundation inspection reports, distinguish the type of foundation repairs, and assess a home’s structural integrity will, in turn, allow you to arrive at an informed decision. This guide will cover what you need to know before you decide to buy a house with such a repaired foundation.
Understanding Foundation Repair
Foundation repairs are restorations of a house to regain its structural integrity after some settling, cracks, or shifting. Minor sealing of small cracks to major reinforcements, like installing piers or underpinning, could be involved within this range of such repairs. Professionally conducted, foundation repairs can prolong the life of a house and put it in as good sound repair as a newly constructed house.
The main thing is to make sure that the repair was done properly and by experienced professionals. Well-documented and well-executed repairs can be signs that the previous owners were proactive in maintaining the home.
Which are the Common Foundation Issues in Homes?
It is important to know, before purchase, what kind of foundation issues the house has had in the past. Common ones are:
– Cracks in the foundation walls or floors
– Uneven or sloping floors
– Sticking doors and windows
– Gaps between walls and ceilings
– Water intrusion and moisture damage
While a few of the problems may be minor and somewhat cosmetic, others may indicate a certain degree of structural integrity. Perusing previous reports of foundation inspections will help you gain a better idea of what was repaired and what is still an area of concern.
Types of Foundation Repairs
Different foundation repair methods are utilized depending on the type and severity of the issue involved. A few common methods are:
– Piering and underpinning – Installing steel or concrete piers, treated to stabilize and lift the foundation.
– Slab jacking (Mudjacking)- The raising of a sinking slab to its original level through injection of a cement mixture below it.
– Wall anchors – Strengthening bowing foundation walls through the placement of anchor plates and rods.
– Epoxy injections – Epoxy is injected into cracks to prevent further deterioration and water ingress.
– Drainage correction – Redirecting water away from the foundation ensures no further shifting will take place in the future.
Knowing which method was used for the home you are evaluating will help establish if the repair is sound and long-lasting.
Importance of a Professional Foundation Inspection
Foundation repair may have been done for the house, but one must have an independent foundation inspection done before purchasing. An independent inspection by a licensed foundation inspection service may tell whether the repairs were done properly and will also check for any ongoing movement or new issues.
Typically included in an inspection will be the following:
– A structural evaluation of the foundation and adjacent soil.
– A check for cracks, undulations in floors, and signs of a shift or movement of an element.
– An assessment of the drainage control and moisture control systems.
– A review of the past repairs documentation.
Never hear one side by just a seller; for you never know, they may be telling a half-truth. Always have a professional opinion before making your decision.
Is a House with a Repaired Foundation a Good Investment?
An investment in a home with a well-repaired foundation can be advantageous. Sometimes, it may even be a safer investment than buying an unrenovated aging foundation house. But before buying:
– The quality of the repair– Was the company reputable?
– Warranty – Is there a transferable warranty with the repair?
– Ongoing maintenance requirements – Will more monitoring or work be necessary?
– Price – How does its price compare with similar houses without foundation repairs?
A great foundation repair may not alone be a deal-breaker-it’s up to the specificity of the assessment regarding quality and longevity of the fix.
Negotiating with the Seller
If you want to proceed, use the foundation inspection results for negotiations. Some buyers will ask it at a low price, while others will want the seller to do more repairs or provide a warranty. A professional report will give you power in discussions and solidify that you are going to make a sound financial decision.
Final Thoughts
A repaired home isn’t a bad deal just because it has a foundation repair. The real issues are in the quality of the repair and the house’s stability. By understanding foundation issues and foundation inspection and researching the types of foundation repairs used, you can be well-versed and make wise decisions.
If you’re still unsure about the foundation of a property, don’t get confused. Call a trustworthy foundation inspection service for a house inspection before purchase. A small cost today on an inspection could eliminate costs down the line for unpleasant surprises.