Home Buyers: How to Spot Structural Damage

When it comes to purchasing a new home, there are obviously a lot of things to consider. From the school system and your work commute, to property taxes and the local area, it’s no surprise that the goal is to get as many of your wants and needs to line up as possible; however, when it comes to buying smart, it’s important not to stop there.

Hiring an inspector to assess whether a home is in good condition is an extremely important step in the buying process, but since structural foundation damage is one of the most serious things that can happen to a house, doing a little inspecting of your own can pay off in the long run. Prospective buyers who are equipped with the knowledge of what to look for will not only be better prepared to determine whether they want to make an offer and go through the expense of an inspection, or whether they would simply like to move to the next home.

INTERIOR SIGNS OF STRUCTURAL FOUNDATION DAMAGE

When the foundation of a house has suffered structural damage, clear signs can be found inside the home, both in the basement and on the main floors.

If there is a basement, keep an eye out for things like water seepage, floors that are no longer level, bulges in the concrete block or masonry walls, and cracks (larger than 1/8” wide) which either run at an angle from the corners or horizontally across the middle of the wall.

In the actual house, look for things like sticking doors, windows that won’t open or close properly, cracks in the drywall—particularly those that emanate from the upper corners of doors and windows, and uneven floors.

EXTERIOR SIGNS OF STRUCTURAL FOUNDATION DAMAGE

When it comes to taking note of issues that may show themselves on the outside of the home, look for things like cracks running in a stair-step pattern on exterior brick or stonework, gaps around doors or windows, trim that has pulled away from the home, or building elements such as chimneys or additions separating from the rest of the structure.

One of the things I always make a point to do when looking at a home is to actually look up when standing outside. Many of us fail to view homes from this vantage point, but it makes a difference if you’re looking at things such as roof quality, foundation stability, and general condition.

WHAT DO ALL OF THESE SIGNS MEAN

Plain and simple, even the worst structural foundation damage can be permanently repaired so that the home is made into a stable and secure structure for generations to come; however, it’s important to understand that repairing is foundation is not a do-it-yourself job, so prospective buyers need to approach the home with an accurate estimate that can be included into the purchase price.

Minor damage, due to wall destabilization from swollen soil or settling can usually be repaired by stabilizing or rebuilding the wall; however, when the home’s foundation actually drops, the problem will require more serious action, such as underpinning, which is often required to raise the foundation back to its normal level.

With this in mind, while it’s obviously important to heed the advice of an experienced inspector, it’s also important to work with a knowledgeable Realtor who can help you better assess your options in regards to the state of the market, your financial standing, and your particular wants and needs.

In the end, if you are able to notice some of these issues on your own, you’ll be in a better position to decide whether you simply want to walk away from the home, or whether it’s something you think you would like to consider repairing. Depending upon your particular desires, a little structural work might just turn someone’s headache into your dream home.

Pam Evans | Hello Pam Evans Real Estate | www.HelloPamEvans.com | 678-778-6551