Inspecting the Foundation of a Used Home Before the Sale
Do you know what foundation things to look for when buying a used home? There are several things that can inform you about the condition of the foundation that is supporting the house. And they are well worth the investment of time and money.
How do you know that a home you are considering buying has had any structural problems, including any foundation repair? First, you need to ask the seller. The seller is supposed to inform you without having to ask, but make sure to ask. Texas law requires the owner of the home to provide a potential buyer with “full and accurate disclosure of any foundation issues and repairs.” The information you will need to get includes the reason for the repair, the date of the repair, which method was used, the extent of the repair work, and documentation of repair.
Additionally, the following questions are very important for you, the potential buyer:
- What kind of service agreement is in place regarding the repairs? Is that service agreement transferable to a new owner? How long is the service agreement period?
- What is the name of the company that provided your foundation repair work? Is it still in business?
- Did the owner obtain a building permit? If yes, make sure to get a copy of it. Building permits are issued by local government agencies. It could be a permits office, planning department or clerk office for the county or city.
There are some things to look for in the service agreement. A lifetime transferable service agreement does not mean that the entire foundation is covered. Likely, only the work the company did and the components they used fall within the service agreement. Read the service agreement because some foundation repair companies include other exclusions as well. Most do not include the repair of the distress in the above-foundation structure, like cracks in tiles or drywall. Those repair expenses, sometimes referred to as “adjustments”, usually fall to the homeowner. Finally, determine whether a Professional Engineer (PE) designed the foundation. Obtain the drawings. The PE should have performed a soil test. Get the testing laboratory reports on that soil. The easiest way to get this done is to hire a licensed real estate inspector. They know where to research all the documents. However, there is a fee for their service. Otherwise, the local governing agency that issues residential building permits is the place to start. They will direct you as to how to access the documents.
Make the best buying decision you can make. Get the information you need and be patient while waiting for it. Then, enjoy your home for years to come and always call Dawson Foundation Repair when you encounter foundation issues.
Dawson Foundation Repair installs only Bell Bottom Piers for homeowners and commercial property owners. Bell Bottom Piers have far more advantages over any other method of foundation repair and we feel the homeowner should receive the best option available. Dawson Foundation Repair services homes and commercial businesses all over Texas including Austin, Dallas, Houston, Plano, Sugar Land, and other smaller cities. Call us for a free inspection and assessment of your home foundation.