Southwest Virginia’s Shifty Soil
Unfortunately, due to the moisture, clay soil, and prevalence of sinkholes, foundations in Roanoke are susceptible to damage. We tend to have very wet periods followed by very dry periods, which is a perfect recipe for expanding, contracting, and shifting soil.
There are many older homes in the area that were built before building codes included plans for environmental shifts that damage foundations. With this in mind, let’s learn how to do some foundation prep before selling your home.
Some Obvious Signs
As a homeowner, there are some things that you can look out for as early warning signs that there is a problem with your foundation:
- Cracks in the walls or paint
- Cracks in the ceiling
- Uneven doors or windows
- Uneven floors, especially suddenly uneven floors, or floors that have begun to slope
- Gaps between floors, ceilings, or walls
- Water pooling around the base of your home or running into the basement/crawlspace
If you notice any of these issues appearing in your house, don’t wait to get a consultation from a professional. Early foundation prep before selling your home is key! Delaying foundation repairs will only exponentially increase their price!
Early Inspection Gets the Worm
If you are thinking about selling your house, don’t wait until you are putting it on the market to schedule a thorough whole-home inspection. About six months before you put your home on the market, call an inspector to come give you a rundown on the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you aren’t sure who to call, you can ask your realtor or other contractors that you have worked with, and they will be able to point you in the right direction.
Home inspection for sellers is one of the most important steps to selling your home for a good price. Knowledge is power, and being able to either space out repairs in a budget-friendly way, or know that you will likely be compromising with your buyer on a lower final sale price.
Structural Engineer, Worth the Cost
If you suspect you have foundation problems or a home inspector has confirmed damage, it’s time to take action. You should call a structural engineer or a specialized foundation repair contractor. Let them know that you were doing foundation prep before selling your home and have some concerns.
A structural engineer typically has a higher level of education than a foundation repair contractor and will be able to give you a higher level of reassurance that the work is done safely and correctly. This will also reduce litigation risk and liability risk down the road. The structural engineer may recommend a reinforcement or a repair. Not sure what the difference is? Keep reading!
Reinforcement or Repair?
Reinforcement may look like beams designed to shore up foundational walls and guard against further damage. Repairs tend to be more expensive than reinforcement. On the cheap end, this could mean sealing small cracks with a special sealant, while on the expensive end, it could involve totally replacing the foundation. It is important to note that while costly, foundation repairs done correctly will increase buyer confidence and property value.
Can I Fix it Myself?
Unless you are a structural engineer, the best advice is no, and to consult a professional. Even seemingly harmless things like painting over the cracks in your foundation can do more damage in the long run.
If the proper type of paint is not used, it will make cracks bigger and often lead to chipping. This is because the paint facilitates moisture to enter and fester, leading to bigger issues!
Secret Secrets
If the repairs seem daunting or costly and you are thinking of hiding the damage, think again. All structural damage must be disclosed legally in a sale, and attempting to cover it up is a crime. Better to pay the repair cost and keep your nose clean than pay lawyer fees down the line.
Seeing Through the Cracks
If you have noticed some of the warning signs that your foundation is damaged, or are planning to sell your house soon, click here to schedule your home inspection today!