How to Find Problems with a Home’s Foundation

The words, “foundation repair” can sound terrifying to new real estate investors and homebuyers in general, but it doesn’t have to be.  While dealing with a foundation issue is certainly not fun, it can be addressed and repaired without meeting all of the stigma criteria.

For starters, let’s look at some clues to detecting problems with a Silver Spring home’s foundation:

• Driveway and Sidewalk Cracks

This may not be as clear cut as you think – while cracks can be indication of a problem, the problem is usually with the soil underneath the foundation.  Simply put: when the soil moves, the foundation moves, but the soil only moves when it is hydrating or desiccating.  And since it is obviously impossible to isolate a house from rain, even hydration of the soil is critical. 

• Cracked Walls, Windows, and Doors

This problem is easiest to detect in homes with brick or stone facades.  Look for cracks that begin at a window, door, or the foundation itself; don’t look at cracks in the mortar or masonry. 

• Movement

In homes that are built with siding on the exterior, look for separation between the fascia boards and siding joints.  You should also look at the garage trim for the same indicators.

• Gutter Pooling

If the gutter sprouts are dumping near the foundation, look for uneven settling in the soil.  If there is excessive water and “ponding” within five feet of the foundation, that house could very easily have movement in that spot.  To determine if “ponding” is taking place, look for hard-packed spots where the grass is gone.

If you suspect that a home has foundation issues, contact a professional foundation repair company and have them inspect the home.  Or, if you are truly handy, there are plenty of DIY foundation repair tips from reputable sources online.  Long story short – problems with a home’s foundation are repairable.

If you are interested in searching for investment properties in Silver Spring, MD, make sure you work with a Certified Investor Agent Specialist (CIAS).

A CIAS is uniquely qualified to find, create, and close with residential real estate investors using the knowledge and innovative tools earned through comprehensive education and experience.  CIAS-designated agents can streamline the process of real estate investment to increase returns for investor clients by helping real estate investors navigate:

• Investment Strategies
• Self-directed IRAs
• 1031 Exchange
• Leverage Options
• Key Calculations
• Return-on-Investment
• Capitalization Rate
• Average Returns
• Cash Flow
• And much more

To begin your search for Silver Spring, MD real estate, contact Emcee Arah of the EMA Real Estate Group online or by calling 301.452.5252.  Emcee is both a Certified Investor Agent Specialist (CIAS) and a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE). 

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