Important Information to Know About the Foundation Before Buying a Home in Boulder

When you are thinking about buying a home, the foundation is one of the biggest elements to consider. It plays a major role in the overall structural integrity of a home. There are a few things to keep in mind related to a home’s foundation, so that once you buy a home, you can be confident that the foundation is best for your needs.

Look for Signs of Damage

You want to know how to spot foundation damage that could present serious issues down the road. You want to look at the entire house to determine the health of the foundation. These signs could indicate a relatively major issue:

·         Misaligned windows and doors

·         Windows that are hard to open

·         Cracked drywall

·         Large exterior concrete cracks

·         Doors that fit oddly in the frame

·         Sloping staircases or floors

·         Gaps between the ceiling and the walls

·         Water around the home’s perimeter or in the crawlspace or basement

If any of these issues are present, it does not automatically indicate a foundation issue. However, all of them warrant further inspection to determine the cause. You should have a professional contractor come out and evaluate any of these issues when they are present. They will be able to identify the source of the problem and let you know what it would take to fix it properly. In some cases, it might not be worth the time and money to fix it, so consider your budget once you determine what the fix requires in terms of money and time.

Not All Foundation Cracks Are a Big Deal

There are times when a small crack is present, but this is just due to the normal settling that a house does. The size is generally the biggest indicator if the crack is a problem or not. In general, a crack that is 1/4 inch or smaller is often not a big deal. These cracks commonly appear when a house settles over time after it is built. This crack has probably been present almost as long as the house has. However, if you find cracks that are larger or deep, this could be costly to fix. You want to have the larger cracks promptly inspected to determine what is needed to fix them.

Some Damage Can Be Corrected

When you are considering buying a home with foundation issues, you want to determine the severity of any issues that you find. Many of them can be fixed before you move in. Of course, if you do opt to fix them, it is imperative that you have a qualified professional do the work. Never attempt foundation work by yourself unless you are a professional.

Do not be afraid to ask the owners or the real estate agent specific questions about the foundation. If there are issues with the foundation, this can become incredibly problematic and costly, so you definitely want to be picky and ensure that the home you choose has a foundation that meets your needs and expectations.

Exploring the Four Primary Types of Foundations in Boulder

When you want to learn more about foundations, start with the basics by exploring the different types. There are four main types to learn more about. All of these have their own advantages, so it ultimately depends on what you want to get out of your home foundation.

Crawlspace Foundation

If you simply want to elevate your home one to two feet from the ground, a crawlspace foundation is one to consider. If you live in a moist climate, this foundation type of preferable since water collecting at ground level will not be able to get into your home. An area that often experiences minor flooding could also benefit from this foundation type since there is space between the ground and the floor of your home. While there is a slightly higher risk for fungi and mold accumulation, this foundation type tends to resist termite infestation well.

Basement Foundation

You generally begin with a hole about eight feet in depth when building with this foundation. Cinder blocks are typically used to create the wall around the basement. It is important that the process is precise to ensure that it is waterproof. A basement foundation adds square footage to your house, allowing you additional living space or storage space if you need it. This type of foundation also tends to be incredibly durable. It offers a high level of resistance to extreme weather conditions and disasters, such as a house fire.

Slab Foundation

This is probably the simplest of all of the foundation types. It is just a slab of concrete at the home site that is poured into the ground. It is flat and resembles a large pad. It takes only a small amount of preparation to get this type of foundation prepped and ready, and the installation process is mostly fast and simple. Beams are typically placed around the perimeter and the foundation goes down about six inches. There is usually steel reinforcing bars and wire mesh in the concrete to ensure that it is durable and stable once the structure is built on top of it.

If you live in a warmer climate, this is ideal. However, in areas where freezing temperatures occur, there is the risk of the slab shifting.

Pier and Beam Foundation

This type of foundation generally starts with concrete piers or wooden posts that go deep enough into the ground to properly support the structure. The height of the posts or piers depends on where someone is building and how elevated they want the home to be. This foundation is generally inexpensive compared to other options, and it is mostly easy to build. However, it is not a good choice if the structure going on top is large or heavy. It should also not be used in areas where hurricanes and earthquakes are common.

Take note of the benefits you get with each of the foundation types. Consider what you are wanting to achieve with your home foundation and see where the matches happen. This is the easiest way to narrow down the choices and make the final decision.