Dale - Everyone of those items are important when you are looking at a foundation that may have a crack. In some areas ground movement is a concern, like certain areas of San Antonio.

As an inspector I always have to look at water penetration as a big part that causes foundation problems. (always make sure water drains "away" from the foundation). 

 It is important to have a pre-pour inspection before the slab is poured to be assured that it is set correctly (difficult to see some things after the pour) and the difficulties with the foundation may not start for a few weeks or months after the pour. The slab mix differs with different parts of the country.

Buiid your house on a solid foundation and you will avoid many foundation problems

Great information Dale, thank you.

great info. here's one more...

down in the beach areas of L.A. we have an interesting phenomena, too. many of these craftsman kits were bought in the early 20's from Sears and contractors sent away for plans and materials to Chicago and everything came back--except the sand to mix the cement for the steps.

so what do these first-ever DIYer's do back then--go down to the beach and shovel some sand. not realizing that over time, the salt will leach out and cause rock pockets and crumbling foundations. very common in our area.

These are good points Dale-and here I was going to make a lame joke about my ex-mother-in-law causing a few!

Dale, I've a foundation stem wall issue please read, http://activerain.com/blogsview/514260/Painted-Stem-Wall-is  It's not cracks but powder any advise and information would be very appreciated!!

Howdy Carl

My day is always good, when you stop by to visit.

You alway add to any post, you comment on in the AR community.

Any one that takes the time to read one of your excllent written blog post's. They will see and know as I do, you are a very exerienced and a top Home Inspector in your down in the Hill Country of San Antonio, Texas.

So many folk's don't think about making sure water drains away from the foundation of their home.

You are very right, homes need to be built on a solid foundation and they will avoid many of the foundation problems that can happen.

Howdy Ron

Thank ya kindly for stopping by to visit and comment.

Thank ya.

Salt dose like to dissolve cement, and cause pockets in it. Thats for sure.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Howdy Kent

Another one of my fine friend's that I like to see visit.

Thank ya kindly.

You would never make a lame joke about anything, now would ya. lol

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Howdy Heather

Glad to have ya stop by to visit.

I'll stop by to see, what may be going on.