You may have heard before that if a house has foundation issues, you shouldn’t buy it. However, don’t run at the first sight of foundation damages. While foundation problems are not ideal, if you’ve fallen in love with a house, it may just be worth giving it a chance.
The good news is if there are foundation issues, the house is normally priced well below the market rate. Reduced competition for a deal means you can save thousands, some of which you can spend on foundation repairs. The key is to carefully evaluate the situation.
So, to buy or not to buy? Let’s take a look at the steps to take to make a decision:
1. Call a Foundation Expert
First and foremost, get someone in to take a look at the foundation. And not just anyone—but a foundation expert. You want someone who lives and breathes foundations because this is the only way to get an accurate understanding of the cause and damage.
In most cases, the seller won’t have a problem letting you do this. However, if a seller refuses to allow you to bring in your own expert, then it’s probably best to walk away. You need to know what damages lie ahead previous to buying.
2. Ask the Seller about Previous Foundation Repairs
It’s good to have a history of any previous work done to the foundation of the house. If you notice foundation issues, ask about what issues were present, when they were handled and how well they worked. If they can, they should also provide the company’s name that repaired the issues.
Note: When talking to the seller about foundation problems, never ask the seller to fix any problems for you. They will almost always take the cheapest option, which could put you in a worse position a few years down the road. When it comes to the foundation of your home, never take short cuts!
3. Crunch the Numbers
If you’re going to put in an offer on a home with foundation damage, you will want to understand the full cost of repairs. Most foundations can be repaired for a fraction of replacement cost; however an entirely new foundation could cost as much as $100,000. You need to understand where you stand.
You may also need to figure out different financing options. Most loans are only approved if a home passes an inspection without foundation issues.
4. Know What’s Right and When to Walk Away
Buying a home with foundation problems may seem risky, but as long as you know exactly what you’re getting into, it can work in your favor. However, as much as you may love a home, it may not be worth the cost and time it takes to repair the foundation. To help make the tough decision, give Dry Basement® Foundation Repair a call. We can help you determine the foundation problems and give you quotes for repairs. That way, you know exactly what you’re getting into.