Whether you’re looking to sell your home or just want to keep it safe and comfortable, a professional foundation inspection is essential. You’ll need either a home inspector or structural engineer, depending on what kind of problem you have. Contact Foundation Inspections Plano for professional help.

Uneven floors, cracks in walls, and sticking windows or doors are all signs that your foundation is moving. A quick ball test can confirm these observations.
The foundation is a critical part of any building. Whether a home or commercial building, if the foundation is not in good condition it can cause problems throughout the rest of the structure. That is why it is important to find a professional inspector that specializes in foundation inspections. There are several ways to find an inspector, including online reviews and word of mouth from friends and family. Once you have narrowed down your list of candidates, ask them to provide you with samples of their work and training materials. This will give you an idea of how much experience they have and what their approach to a foundation inspection will be.
The first step in a foundation inspection is to examine the exterior of the property, looking for any cracks or discoloration that may indicate structural movement or damage. Inspectors will also look at the drainage around the house to see if there is any standing water that could lead to erosion or settlement. They will also check the landscaping and trees, as roots that grow into or under the foundation can also contribute to shifts in the structure.
Once the inspector has examined the exterior, they will move inside the home and inspect the floors for any signs of buckling or warping. They will also look at the windows and doors to make sure that they open and close easily. Inspectors will also take a closer look at the walls, looking for any cracks or discoloration. If there are any cracks that are horizontal, it is often a sign of hydrostatic pressure build up behind the wall. This can be caused by water accumulation or poor drainage and can weaken the concrete and reinforcement of the walls over time.
It is also a good idea to get an inspector who can perform a pre-pour inspection on new construction. This inspection can help ensure that the foundation is being poured correctly, and can identify any potential problems before they become serious. This can save a lot of money and hassle down the road.
Preparing for the Inspection
Whether you’re buying or selling a property, it’s a good idea to get your foundation inspected regularly. This can help spot problems early and prevent more serious damage down the line. It can also help you make the best decision about how to proceed with your renovations.
During the inspection, a specialist will examine the exterior of your home to check for signs of leaks and cracking. They will also look for sagging or leaning walls. They’ll also test the level of your floors and walls. If they aren’t level, this could indicate a shifting foundation.
The specialist will then move inside your home and use specialized tools to look for signs of moisture, such as leaking windows or doors. They will also look at your foundation’s overall structure, including the state of the support beams and columns.
If there are any problems with your foundation, the inspector will compile a detailed report and recommend any necessary repairs or further evaluations. They’ll also give you a rough estimate for the cost of the repairs. You should carefully review this report to make sure you understand all of the details and recommendations.
Foundation professionals often use Pre Pour Foundation Inspection Checklists during construction to verify that all components of a foundation are in compliance with design specifications and building regulations. Construction managers also review the report to see if they should hire experts to make any necessary repairs.
You can also find Pre Pour Foundation Inspection Checklists online, which you can fill out on a tablet or smartphone. This allows you to save time and money by eliminating the need for paper-based documentation and streamlining data collection. This also gives you access to the results of your inspections, which you can share with other project stakeholders.
Before the inspection, it’s a good idea to compile a list of any concerns or questions that you want to discuss with your engineer. You can also provide them with any previous inspection reports or repair records. Having this information can help your engineer provide you with the most accurate and comprehensive inspection possible.
During the Inspection
As part of the home inspection process, professionals carefully examine the foundation for signs of deterioration. This may include assessing visible cracks, looking for bowing or leaning walls, checking the levelness of floors, and examining the condition of support beams. They may also look for gaps between the foundation and doors or windows, which could indicate a shift in the foundation.
If the professional notices any cracks, they’ll take careful note of their location, size, and direction to determine whether or not they’re a cause for concern. For instance, horizontal cracks often signify a structural deficiency or hydrostatic pressure buildup. This happens when moisture accumulates in the soil surrounding your foundation, causing it to shift and put unintended stress on your walls. Similarly, vertical cracks can be caused by movement of your foundation over time or a faulty drainage system.
Other concerns that the inspector may look for are sloping floors, which can be a sign of shifting or movement in the foundation. This is especially true if the floor slopes in multiple directions or has an overall bowl shape. To check this, the inspector will typically roll a ball across the surface of the floor. If the ball rolls easily and quickly in more than one direction, the floor is likely not level.
In addition, the inspector will carefully examine the crawlspace underneath your house, paying special attention to the condition of the support beams and piers. If they’re wet, rotting, or covered in mold, it’s important that these issues are addressed as soon as possible to protect the health of the structure and its occupants.
The inspector will then write a detailed report detailing their findings, including recommendations for repair or maintenance. This information will be helpful for construction managers as they decide how to proceed with the project. In some cases, if the issue is serious or complicated, it’s best to consult with a structural engineer to get more in-depth information about the situation.
Using technology like Xenia, an advanced construction management software, can help construction teams simplify their inspection processes and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to keep projects on track. By storing documents and communication in one central location, Xenia helps teams stay organized, efficient, and up-to-date on all aspects of their work.
Post-Inspection Recommendations
The next step after the inspector finishes their visual examination of your home is to gather additional data. For example, they might use a Ziplevel altimeter to measure heights and identify any slopes in the foundation or basement floors. These measurements help engineers determine the extent and cause of any movement or damage. They may also recommend structural stabilization techniques to prevent future movements and ensure the integrity of the building.
If you’re buying a new home, it’s a good idea to have a foundation inspection conducted before you close the deal. This will give you a better idea of the condition of the home’s foundation and will allow you to negotiate any repairs with the seller. In addition, a solid home inspection can increase the value of your property and make it easier to sell later on.
Even if you don’t plan on selling your home, a foundation inspection can protect it from structural issues and other problems. A regular inspection can also help you maintain the value of your property and keep up with any maintenance requirements.
A residential home’s foundation is essential for the structure’s stability and safety. It distributes weight evenly throughout the home’s soil layers to prevent uneven settlement, and it keeps moisture, varmints, and other elements from invading the structure. However, if your foundation is damaged, the entire house can be compromised. This could lead to expensive repairs and a reduction in the property’s value.
Unlike a home inspector, who has a general understanding of construction practices and building codes, structural engineers have specialized training in the forces that act on a foundation. As such, they are better suited to evaluating the strength and integrity of a building’s foundation. They can identify potential problems and provide a thorough report with photos to help you decide whether to make repairs as part of your home purchase.
Many commercial buildings are managed by professional building or asset management teams, rather than individual owners. While these companies often manage large portfolios of properties, they still need to have a clear understanding of the condition of their foundations. Regular inspections can help them identify and address potential problems before they become too serious to resolve, allowing them to protect their investments and the wellbeing of their tenants.