You’re gearing up to sell your home. You have cleaned, refinished, and repaired everything that stands out. You get in your home inspector and the next thing you know, you’re talking about possible foundation issues.
It’s not as uncommon as you think. And it can be just as scary as you would assume. The first thing you should do is verify it is in fact the foundation. There are false signs for foundation damage like nail pops, seam breaks, normal brick expansion joints and hairline cracks appearing in the floor grout or tiles. Normal wear and tear can cause these issues, as well as aging and poor craftsmanship. We always recommend getting a second opinion from a foundation repair expert.
Common Foundation Issues And Red Flags
Keeping an eye out for common foundation issues is key to preventing any damage from becoming worse, resulting in higher repair costs for you. Many of these common issues include:
- Mold Removal
- Abnormal foundation settling
- Window and doors stick
- Cracks in tile, ceiling or walls
- Sloping or uneven floors
- Basement concrete/foundational cracks
- Water and moisture issues
Now, if it has been confirmed as foundation issues, you have to make the decision on fixing the problem or selling as is. Studies show that 60% of buyers or more find pre existing foundation issues as a “No buy” red flag. The crazy part is, some repairs are easily under $500.
Whether it’s sinking due to excess water or a tree has decided to try to move your foundation for its own gain, bringing in an expert to verify exactly what is going on is key. Almost every foundation repair business worth its salt will have a free homeowner evaluation. Though the inspector is very good at spotting the overall health of the home, nothing compares to someone who specializes in foundation. On average, experts advise getting three different quotes before making a decision.
When it comes to attempting to sell a home with foundation issues, the unfortunate fact is that almost any expert will advise on getting the repairs done first. The buyers willing to buy homes with foundation issues are usually those that are looking to flip the home. That also means they are looking to get the home at a premium. Not ideal, but depending on your situation that may be exactly what you are looking for.
If you happen to have a buyer lined up and their home inspector finds something, you might be able to negotiate the price when it comes to the smaller repair price tags or even the larger one. But either way it’s going to hammer down that top end on your selling range. Don’t rely on the other party’s foundation expert, always have two of your own to get an accurate read on what the issues really are. Remember, almost all foundation repair companies offer free at home inspections.
Best Foundation Leveling In Fort Worth
You could be just starting to look at the market or already working with a buyer, either way Discount Foundation Repair of North East Texas is here to help you. With over 25 years of experience, we have highly skilled professionals and the latest equipment to level any foundation. We pride ourselves at being professional, accurate, and timely. Give us a call at 972-740-2235 to schedule your free homeowners evaluation. Feel free to read our testimonials from local homeowners who have become satisfied customers.