Possible Foundation Repair Issues when Buying a Flipped House | Cleveland, OH

Foundation Repair Issues

Have you always dreamed of purchasing an old house and turning it into your dream home? Buying a new house isn’t an option for many people. They’re just too costly. Some people just like the character that can be found only in old houses.

However, old houses present many problems to house flippers. While the prospect of turning an old house into a modern living space may seem exciting, there are various problems that require attention in these houses.

One of the most common problems old houses present is with the foundation. If you want to be on the safe side and ensure that your house is on a good foundation, look out for the following:

  1. Documentation of foundation repair

Find out if any repair work has ever been done on the foundation by asking for permits. If previous owners carried out any extensive repair on the foundation, permits would have been required. However, it is possible that previous owners may have used subpar contractors who would avoid taking permits. 

Cleveland, OH | STABLWALL | Foundation Repair

 

  1. Exterior signs of structural issues

Look for signs of structural issues such as leaning foundation walls, bowing windows, excessive gaps between the foundation wall and the siding and cracks. Check to see if doors and windows in the house are sticking or do not fit well into their frames too.

  1. Interior signs of structural issues

Examine the interior of the basement for signs of structural issues. Look for signs, such as inward leaning walls, bowing or bulging walls, cracks in the walls or floor, cracked drywall and dropped ceilings. You should also check to see if the floors are level and if doors don’t close or stay open.

  1. Seepage

It is easier to spot seepage during heavy rains. You’ll be able to witness the problem first hand. If you’re inspecting the basement in the dry season, you may want to look for signs of seepage, such as discoloration on walls or floors, rotten wood or the growth of mold. A musty smell and high humidity are also signs of seepage.

It is vital to get your foundation inspected by a licensed contractor. Doing this ensures that you are able to identify problems early and attend to them. Foundation repair may seem like a daunting task especially with an old house. However, it need not be if you have a professional contractor assisting you.