Foundation shifts are a homeowners nightmare. Foundation issues are common in Florida due to the moisture in the environment and soil composition. Unfortunately, homes cannot protect themselves from the harmful effects of mother nature when it comes to foundation damage. Once foundation issues arise, they can quickly spread and damage other parts of the home. Foundation issues can be very costly, but the faster you recognize the signs of foundation damage, the better off you will be. Here, we explain how foundation issues happen and how they can impact homeowners financially.

How Do Foundation Problems Happen?

Foundation issues happen due to soil expanding or contracting. Homes have to be planned and built carefully with the thought in mind that the earth below will expand and contract. The main culprit of foundation issues is water. When homes are built, grading is used to ensure that water moves away from the house. If homes are placed too far into the ground, they often fall victim to wet soil. Minimum building requirements may only require that foundations be six inches above the highest point of soil. Construction of newer homes often times focus on getting the building done quickly and efficiently which sometimes means extra care is not focused on going above these minimum building requirements.

Foundation Problems in South Florida’s Climate

Foundations, if designed correctly, are meant to be the building blocks for the rest of the home. This means foundations should stay put in order to support the rest of the house. Florida’s tropical weather gives the perfect breeding ground for foundation issues. There are dry months where the soil surrounding your home will stay put. In August and September, South Florida typically experiences the most rainfall. This is when extra precautions should be used to ensure that the rainwater is far enough away from the soil surrounding your home. Soil expanding and contracting during and after rainstorms is dangerous for your foundation.

Signs of Foundation Damage

Noticing the signs of foundation damage early on, can save homeowners thousands of dollars. Once foundation issues arise, they will spread to other areas of the house. Check for small gaps between doors, windows and between where the walls meet the ceiling. Check for cracks in the interior of your home. Some of these cracks can be normal wear and tear, but marking where the crack is and monitoring it over time will help you determine if the interior damage is caused by a foundation problem.

Foundation Damage and Costly Repairs

Depending on the extent of the foundation damage, homeowners can expect to face repair bills ranging from 500 dollars to over 10,000 dollars. Incorrectly built foundations may lead to damage beyond repair. Getting a structural report from an engineer can help you determine the best solution to your foundation nightmares.

Foundation damage in South Florida is a common reason that homeowners choose to sell their home to We Buy Ugly Houses. Repair costs can be overwhelming, but we still see the potential in a damaged home. If you are looking for a fresh start from your foundation damaged home, contact us today to see if selling your home is the best solution for you.