The foundation of a home is a critical part of its structure and strength. That's why it's so important to inspect foundations for any cracks or crumbling. The sooner an issue is addressed, the less likely it is to become an unpleasant surprise.
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty level: Advanced
Note: Do the inspection on a sunny day.
1. Bring a flashlight to use for areas that are in the shade.
2. Walk all the way around the building and look carefully at the foundation from the top down. Check for any cracks that may have started to form.
3. If you notice a crack, take a picture of it. An adjuster may need to see the photo. Images can also help to determine whether a crack has grown over time.
4. Under decks and around other structures that may impede access to the foundations, ensure the structure is safe before proceeding. Use a flashlight in these areas too. If in doubt, call a specialized company to handle the inspection instead.
Photo: Getty Images/FotoDuets
