Know The Signs Of A Problematic Foundation

Published On: March 7th, 2018Last Updated: March 7th, 2018Categories: Construction Loans, Flipping, Foreclosures, Hard Money, InvestmentsTags:

If you’ve decided to invest in real estate, you can save yourself a lot of time by recognizing signs of foundation damage right away.  Keep in mind, if you find only minor problems, it might still be worth hiring a professional evaluation, rather than just walking away from the investment property. Every little foundation issue doesn’t mean that you have to walk away from the deal. With experience, you’ll learn to recognize which homes to walk away from and which warrant the cost of a closer inspection.

Foundation cracks and floor cracks should be investigated further. Likewise, look for wall fissures and broken chimneys. These can both indicate a problem with the foundation. During the first two to three years after a structure is build, sinking is common. Tiny cracks approximately 1/16″ thick are extremely common.  But if you find horizontal cracks in the concrete block walls or brick exteriors, you might have a problem. Horizontal cracks are considered more serious, because it means that the perimeter of the structure is under too much pressure. When cracks are at a 45 degree angle, you may be looking at severe foundation movement. Stair-step cracks in brick exteriors appearing in the corners also warrant a closer look.

Even still, if you find one single vertical crack, your foundation might be moving upwards. Foundation upheaval is the opposite of settling. This is usually caused by moisture in the soil.  Sometime, it can be caused by under-slab plumbing leaks.

Check for doors that stick or don’t open and close properly. This can mean some kind of disturbance in the foundation. If you notice doors sticking, check for other signs of foundation problems. Other things to look for are counters or cabinets pulling away from the wall and gaps around the windows.

The good news is, foundation evaluations usually take only about an hour. So, if you find something concerning, it’s usually worth having a professional come and evaluate the problem.

Are You Looking for a Hard Money Loan to Flip a House?

Paces Funding is a Hard Money lender offering hard money loans to purchase and renovate non-owner occupied residential and commercial properties throughout the Atlanta, Nashville, Florida, North and South Carolina metropolitan areas.

Call us at 404-814-1644 or contact us online to find out whether you might qualify for this type of funding. In the meantime, check to ensure that you meet our loan criteria. Our loan amounts can be up to 65 percent of the after-repaired value of the collateral—and if you use the loan for renovation or construction, the loan amount can be based on the collateral’s improved value.