When you move into a new home, you probably expect it to be stable and sturdy. This means that it should have a strong foundation. Unfortunately, even if you move into a brand new home, there is a chance that you could have a house with a foundation issue. Even though foundation issues and new homes are not necessarily common, you do need to be aware of this possibility. After all, if your foundation has a significant issue, there is a chance that other areas of your home could have problems as well.
What do you need to know about new homes with foundation issues, and what should you do if you believe your house has a foundation problem? You need to understand how to spot foundation issues in your home, how you can check your house for foundation issues, and what you should do if you believe your house has a foundation concern.
8 Signs of Foundation Issues in New Homes
There are several common signs that could indicate that your house has a foundation issue. Some of the most common signs of a foundation problem in a new house include:
1. The Floors are Uneven
One of the most common signs of a foundation issue in a house is floors that are uneven. When you walk into a room, it might be difficult to spot uneven floors. If there is a foundation issue, it is highly unlikely that the floors are going to be so slanted that you fall over.
You need to take a look at the angle between the floor and the wall. If you believe the floor is not even with the rest of the wall, it could be a sign of a foundation issue.
2. Cracks on the Outside of the House
You should also take a close look at the outside of the house. If you believe the outside of the house has cracks in it, it could be a sign of a foundation issue. A lot of people tend to look at the bricks or siding that are at eye level; however, you need to take a closer look at the actual foundation, which is close to the ground. Do you see a lot of cracks close to the ground? If so, I could be a sign of a foundation concerned.
3. Walls That Appear Rotated
You should also take a close look at the walls inside the house. If there is a foundation concern, there could be a chance that the walls are a bit rotated. If the foundation has shifted slightly, the wall may have moved with it.
If you feel like the wall is not straight, or if you believe that the wall is rotated relative to the rest of the room, it might be a sign that there is a foundation issue with the house.
4. Cracks in the Floor
You should also take a look at the floor. Check the floor to see if there are any cracks in it. There is a chance that the cracks are going to start beneath the floor before they rise to the surface. Therefore, you should check to see if the floor is separated.
Or, you may want to look for small dimples in the floor. If you believe the floor is not even, or if you spot cracks in the floor, it could be an indication of a foundation problem that has to be addressed.
5. Windows That Are Warped or Won’t Open
Next, take a look at the windows in the home. You expect the window to sit even with the frame. What this means is that the frame should appear symmetrical around the window. If you feel like there are certain parts of the window frame that have extra space between them, it could be a sign of a foundation issue.
Or, if you think the window looks rotated within the frame relative to the rest of the wall, it might be a sign of a foundation concern.
6. Separation Between the Doors and the Wall
Take a closer look at the doors. When you open the door, it should open evenly. If you feel like there is a gap between the door frame and the rest of the wall, it might be a sign that there is a foundation issue.
Or, if there is extra space between the door and the floor, it might be a sign of a foundation concern. Of course, there should be some space between the door and the floor to allow it to open; however, if the space looks slanted or uneven, it could be a sign of a foundation concern.
7. Cracks in the Wall and Ceiling
If you see cracks running from the wall into the ceiling, it could be an indication of a foundation problem. There is a chance that there could be some settling cracks, which can usually be fixed with sheetrock tape. However, if you see the crack on both sides of the wall, or if the crack is running from the floor into the ceiling, it might be a sign of a serious foundation concern.
8. Objects Slide Across the Floor
If you place an object on the floor and it slides across to the other side of the room, it is a sign of a serious foundation problem. Initially, problems with the floors are not going to be that serious; however, if they are not addressed as quickly as possible, the problem could get worse. If you notice that furniture, toys, and other items appear to have a hard time sitting on the floor, it might be a sign that the house has a foundation issue.
Ultimately, indications of a foundation concern are going to vary depending on the severity of the issue. That is why it is important to always get a comprehensive inspection before purchasing a house.
How To Inspect for Foundation Issues
Before purchasing a new house, it is important to check the home for foundation issues. The best way to get a house inspected for foundation issues is to reach out to a professional. You should get an inspection done as a part of the home purchase process. Even though it will cost some money, it can give you some peace of mind later.
Even though you should get a professional to help you, you might be required to make an offer on a house before you get the inspection done. That is why you need to understand how to inspect a house for foundation problems on your own.
Some of the steps you may want to take include:
- Always test the doors and windows. They have to open smoothly. If you feel like you have a difficult time opening or closing doors and windows, it might be a sign that there is a foundation problem.
- You should also inspect the house for signs of mold. You might even want to get a humidity tester to test the air inside the house. If the air inside the house is humid, it could be a sign that there is a crack in the foundation, causing humidity to rise into the house. It could contribute to mold and mildew.
- You may also want to use a level to take a closer look at the floor. Place a level on the ground. The ground should be perfectly even. If you notice that the level is indicating a slant, it could be a sign of a foundation problem.
- Do not forget to walk around the exterior of the house to look for signs of foundation cracks. Sometimes, this is where early foundation issues appear.
If you take these simple steps, you should have an easy time spotting problems with the foundation. Do not forget that you should always reach out to an expert who can conduct a comprehensive examination to look for foundation problems. You need to know about them as quickly as possible because you may have to get the foundation repaired.
What Issues Can Be Fixed?
If you believe your house has a foundation problem, you might be wondering if you can fix it. The good news is that the vast majority of minor foundation issues can be fixed. For example, if there is a crack in the sheetrock around the exterior of the house, a contractor may be able to fix this relatively easily.
If there is a large foundation crack underneath the floor in the house, this could be a more serious problem. You will need to work with a professional to figure out if it is worth it to rip up the floors to access the foundation. Ultimately, removing the floors might be the only way to fix the foundation, and it can be expensive.
NB: There are some situations where foundation concerns might be so severe that it might not be worth the money to get them fixed. For example, if you are having a difficult time keeping the furniture level, it might be prohibitively expensive to fix the foundation.
In the end, it will be up to you to figure out whether it is worth it to get it fixed. You should always reach out to multiple contractors to get a few estimates. That way, you understand how much money it will cost.
Most importantly, you should not try to fix the foundation on your own. It is always important to reach out to a professional who can do it properly.
What To Do if a New Home Has Foundation Issues
If you have a new house, you may feel that the construction company is responsible for the foundation concerns. The first thing you need to do is take a look at the contract to see if there is a warranty attached to the house. The construction company might be willing to come and fix foundation concerns up to a certain point.
If the construction company refuses to pay for the cost of fixing the foundation, the next step is to reach out to a lawyer. You need to reach out to a lawyer who has experience in real estate law. You may also want to ask the lawyer to see if he or she can find out if there are other homes built by the same company that have the same problem. If that is the case, there may be large legal action that must ensue.
The most important thing to remember is that you do not have to go through this alone. You need to reach out to a lawyer who can act as your legal representative. That way, you can focus your attention on your property and your family while the lawyer focuses on potential legal action against the construction company.