Are you planning to sell your home? Many homeowners have their properties appraised to determine their market value. It can be very disappointing to discover that an issue such as the bowing basement walls is keeping you from getting the best value for your home. How do I know I have bowing basement walls? The easiest way to find out if you have a foundation issue is to take a walk around the home. Search for signs of cracking or crumbling. These are often the first signs of bowing. If you spot cracks in your foundation, you should get in touch with a foundation repair professional. They can inspect the foundation for you and determine whether the walls are indeed bowing and the cause. Don’t take the word of just one repair contractor. Have your foundation inspected by at least 3 different contractors. Many contractors offer free inspection, so you won’t have to worry about the costs. Different opinions will enable you to make an informed decision. How much does it cost to repair bowing basement walls? The cost of foundation repair will depend on the severity of the damage. It also depends on the type of solution you choose and the contractor you hire. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of foundation repair is $4,033. Many homeowners are discouraged by the high costs associated with foundation repair. However, putting off repairs does not help resolve the issue. The problems will in fact become worse. While you may have only had to deal with a bowing wall and minor cracks, you may have to deal with a flooded basement in addition to other issues if you put the repair off. Talk to your contractor about the different options for repairing the walls. Seek a solution that is affordable such as the application of carbon fiber straps. Should I repair the walls before selling the house? This depends on your goals when selling the house. If you’re looking to sell your home as quickly as possible, you may not mind the loss in value. However, if you want to get the best price point, you will want your home in the best condition possible. This would mean investing in repairs before selling the house. This will be an investment in your home. You will get a significant profit on this investment. Educate yourself on the repair of bowing foundation walls. Talk to a reliable contractor and seek a solution that will add value to your property.