blog pic
Front exterior view
Click to view picture

Negative grade, limited access for water to drain north/ south of entry.

blog pic
Front exterior view
Click to view picture

Front exterior view south end, limited access for water to drain.

blog pic
Sprinkler valve box
Click to view picture

Sprinkler valve box, sewer clean outs and negative grade just south of front entry.

blog pic
Rear exterior view
Click to view picture

Rear exterior view south end of home; negative grade and limited access for water to drain.

blog pic
Large horizontal crack(s)
Click to view picture

Relatively large horizontal crack(s) front exterior south stem wall and around south corner.

blog pic
Rear exterior view
Click to view picture

Rear exterior view negative grade and limited access for water to drain just south of patio.

blog pic
Exterior stucco distress crack
Click to view picture

Exterior stucco distress crack north exterior wall runs vertical.

blog pic
Horizontal stem wall crack(s)
Click to view picture

Horizontal stem wall crack(s) rear exterior just south of patio.

blog pic
Large horizontal crack(s)
Click to view picture

Relatively large horizontal crack(s) rear exterior south end stem wall.

blog pic
Floor sloping downward
Click to view picture

Floor sloping downward to north at north end of lower level family room.

blog pic
Close up floor sloping downward
Click to view picture

Close up floor sloping downward to north at north end of lower level family room.   

blog pic
Close up floor sloping downward
Click to view picture

Close up floor sloping downward to north at north end of lower level family room.   

blog pic
North exterior view
Click to view picture

North exterior view of home, limited access for water to drain west end.

blog pic
--
Click to view picture

blog pic
--
Click to view picture

Over time, even the most solidly built homes can form cracks and unevenness in the foundation slab. This can cause corrosion, dry rot, moisture damage, and other risks. When inspecting an older home, check for doors and windows that jam easily, visible wall cracks, cracked tile, and uneven floors, as these are common signs of foundation problems.

Purchase Tip

Foundation repairs can escalate to over $10,000 very quickly, depending on the age and extent of the issues — and homeowners insurance won’t cover these costs. If a home has foundation concerns but you still want to move forward with the purchase, consider negotiating the repair costs into the purchase price, or account for the extra repair costs in your budget.

Home & Building Inspection Specialist

Althea or Ralph G. Baca, P.E. BBaca Engineering, LLC