When it comes to buying a house with a history of foundation repair, making an informed decision requires asking the right questions and considering various factors specific to the Denver area. However, purchasing a property that has undergone proper repairs can be a viable option and even offer certain advantages. Let’s explore what you need to know before deciding.
Understanding Foundation Problems and Expansive or Settling Soil:
Over time, homes naturally settle into the ground. In regions like the greater Denver area with its clay soils and drastic weather changes, the shifting nature of the soil can lead to foundation issues. Clay soils tend to expand and contract as soil moisture fluctuates, causing the foundation to gradually shift and sink. When evaluating a house that has previously undergone foundation repairs in the Dener area, it’s important to gather information about the quality and timing of the repairs, including the number of piers installed and other relevant details.
Consider the Impact of Drainage Issues:
Foundation drainage problems and plumbing leaks beneath the concrete slab, crawl space or basement foundation can also contribute to foundation instability. To avoid such issues, ensure that the property has proper drainage moving water away from the foundation. Newer homes should have an effective foundation drainage system in place and maintain proper moisture levels around the home. This involves appropriate watering (not over-watering) of the yard during hot summers and preventing excessive moisture accumulation during rainy months.
Identifying Signs of Foundation Problems:
Foundation problems usually start in specific areas of a home and become visible on one side of the house before spreading. Signs of foundation issues can include uneven floors, drywall cracks in ceilings, walls, bowing walls, doors that don’t close properly, misaligned doors and windows and chimney damage, among others. Prior to purchasing a house, it’s essential to conduct a thorough inspection of the structure with the help of an independent inspector to identify any signs of previous repairs. If you suspect a how has previous foundation repairs, make sure to consult a Foundation Repair Specialist in addition to a traditional home inspector.
The Benefits of Buying a Home with Prior Foundation Repairs:
Purchasing a house that has recently undergone foundation repairs in the Denver area can offer certain benefits. When extensive soil shifting and sinking have already occurred, any newly installed piers will be secured deeper on more stable load-bearing soil. In essence, if the home has already settled significantly, future sinking is less likely since the ground has stabilized. However, it is crucial to ensure that the repairs were carried out correctly by a reputable company that provides a lifetime warranty on their work.
How to Determine Previous Foundation Repairs:
To determine if a house has undergone foundation repairs, it is advisable to communicate with the current owner and engage an independent inspector to thoroughly evaluate the property. You can also check with the local building authority about any previous permits for repairs on the home. Additionally, it’s important to inquire about the existence of a transferable warranty for the previous repairs, as this can be valuable in the long run.
If your property requires foundation repair or drainage correction, seek assistance from a trustworthy contractor who specializes in foundation repair to perform a complete evaluation of the home, and offers a transferable lifetime warranty on their services.
Ultimately, making an informed decision about buying a house with prior foundation issues involves careful evaluation, expert advice, and considering the specifics of the property in question.
