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The Definitive DIY Home Foundation Inspection Checklist

Winter presents an opportune time for a thorough home foundation inspection. While hiring a professional is an option, many homeowners prefer a DIY approach using a checklist. Follow these steps:

Create A House Drawing

Sketch the house, including windows and doors, on paper or using a computer program.

Inspect Windows And Doors

Look for gaps, cracks, and separations around window and door frames. Test functionality and examine locks and latches.

Examine The Floor

Walk through the house, checking for sagging, bowing, and cracks in the floor. Use a laser level to identify slopes and record differences.

Check Ceilings and Walls

Look for drywall cracks, including corner cracks, seam cracks, tape cracks, and nail pops. Document the cracks’ details on the sketch.
Performing these inspections helps identify foundation issues and ensures the stability of your home.

Inspect The Basement Walls And Interior Foundation

During this stage, examine the basement and crawl space walls. Concrete block walls may exhibit horizontal or zigzag pattern cracks along mortar lines, indicating settlement. Poured concrete walls commonly have vertical cracks.

Examine The Exterior

In the final step, assess the exterior of the house for signs of sinking, shifting, or other changes, particularly around patios and chimneys. Chimneys, often on separate foundations, are prone to settlement and separation. Brick homes may display wider cracks along mortar lines, suggesting outward wall rotation.

Professional Home Foundation Inspection

If any issues are discovered during the inspection, they require immediate evaluation and professional repair. While a DIY checklist is helpful, it’s only the initial step towards stabilization and preserving property value. If you reside in the San Antonio, Dallas, or Fort Worth area and suspect foundation problems, contact GL Hunt for a free estimate. Visit our reviews page to see why customers trust our expertise in home foundation inspection.

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Our team values honest and transparent communication, and that extends to our pricing. Contact our experts to get your free estimate today!

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Everyone was professional and hard working. They explained the process in detail as it was happening. I’m incredibly happy with the result and highly recommend GL Hunt!

Kevin Jones
San Antonio, TX

The Tech was on time, helpful, knowledgeable and nice. All of my questions were answered politely. I would definitely recommend

Elizabeth Hays
San Antonio, TX

Carol helped me out greatly to get the required paperwork completed and keep our project on time! Thank you so much Carol

Gabina Dehoyoz
Austin, TX

Great customer service! Joshua was very thorough and professional. If you need detailed work definitely reach out to this company.

Holly Roska
Austin, TX

Heather was very helpful and kind and worked efficiently to help get a re-inspection date for our slab on a building we purchased.

Clinton Pye
Fort Worth, TX

Jason is very knowledgeable and did a thorough job of inspecting my property. I love his dedication to the practice.

Alicia Alvarez
Dallas, TX

Aimee Called very quickly after I requested an appointment online. Was very thorough and offered 2 appointments within 1-2 days

Judy Gros
Fort Worth, TX

Excellent customer service, full of knowledge regarding all things foundation, and patient with my many questions. I strongly recommend!

Maura Bischoff
Austin, TX

Jermy was a great technician, very knowledgeable and friendly. He took the time to go over all of my questions and provide advice.

Gus Norm
Dallas, TX

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