The most critical element in the construction of your home is the foundation. Despite being mostly hidden from sight, every other part of your house relies on it. A faulty foundation can cause a variety of issues with the house and even jeopardize its safety. If an inspector has informed you of a defective foundation or you have noticed indications of one, selling your home traditionally may be difficult. Nevertheless, there may be solutions, and you can learn more by continuing to read.
COMMON CAUSES OF FOUNDATION ISSUES
Foundations can develop problems due to various reasons. Some common causes of foundation issues include improper water drainage, installation of concrete or cement block walls on unstable or poorly compressed soil, incorrect concrete mixing, and improper pouring of concrete during cold weather.
Any of the following can cause foundation issues for your home:
- Soil composition: According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, soil types and their composition can significantly affect foundation stability (USDA Soil Survey).
- Soil expansion and contraction: The National Association of Home Builders states that expansive soils, which swell when wet and shrink when dry, cause the most damage to foundations (NAHB Resource).
- Moisture content: A study by the American Society of Civil Engineers notes that changes in moisture levels can lead to differential foundation settlement ASCE Study).
- Hydrostatic pressure: High water tables can exert pressure on foundation walls, as detailed in a report by the Foundation Repair Association (FRA Report).
- Poor construction planning or building practices: The International Code Council emphasizes the importance of adhering to building codes to prevent foundation issues (ICC Guidelines).
- Building components: The use of substandard materials can compromise foundation integrity.
- Improper drainage: “Water is the most significant factor in determining the stability of a building’s foundation,” says a structural engineer with 20 years of experience (Structural Engineering Magazine).
If you suspect that nearby construction has led to foundation issues in your home, it’s possible that you could seek legal action for the resulting damage.
Water Is Often A Major Culprit
If you notice foundation issues in a house with a previously sturdy foundation, the main culprit is often water damage. When gutters get clogged with leaves, branches, and debris, they can overflow and cause water to pool around the foundation. Over time, this pooling undermines the soil’s strength and can lead to cracks, leaks, and instability in the basement or crawlspace. Poor landscaping design can also contribute to drainage issues, especially if the slope of your yard allows rainwater to collect near your foundation. In some cases, foundation damage can even be linked to pool installations, improper grading during underground pipe installation, or failure to redirect runoff away from the house.
No matter the cause, excess water is one of the most destructive forces when it comes to the structural integrity of a home. If ignored, the repairs can become costly and may impact the future resale value of your property.
INDICATES OF FOUNDATIONAL ISSUE
It’s normal for foundations to shift and settle slightly over time. In fact, many homes in Clarksville and Middle Tennessee sit on clay-rich soil that naturally expands and contracts with moisture levels. A little settling usually causes no harm, but larger shifts can lead to serious damage.
Signs that may indicate foundation problems include:
- Cracks in walls, floors, or ceilings – small hairline cracks may be harmless, but widening or spreading cracks can signal structural stress.
- Uneven floors or doors that stick – when your foundation shifts, interior doors may not close properly, and floors can slope.
- Sagging or bowing walls – cement block foundations may show stair-step cracking or even lean inward under pressure.
- Water intrusion – moisture or seepage in the basement or crawlspace often points to compromised walls or poor drainage.
If you see any of these warning signs, it’s wise to document them. Small cracks can be monitored, but if they continue to expand, you’ll want to call a structural engineer. They can determine whether the issue is superficial or a sign of a serious foundation failure.
The Tricky Issues With Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage
Homeowners often ask: “Will insurance cover foundation repairs?” The answer is usually no. Most standard homeowner’s policies exclude foundation damage caused by settling, soil movement, or poor construction. However, if the foundation damage stems from a covered peril, such as a tornado, fire, or certain types of water damage, you may have partial coverage.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, foundation issues tied to everyday settling are rarely covered. That means homeowners in Clarksville facing cracks or sinking foundations are usually responsible for repair costs. Because policies vary, it’s smart to review your specific coverage and ask your insurance agent direct questions. Knowing exactly what’s covered and what isn’t can save you financial surprises down the road.
Get Advice From A Structural Engineer
If you suspect foundation damage, don’t immediately hire a repair contractor. Instead, consult with a certified structural engineer. Engineers provide unbiased evaluations and can create a detailed report outlining the cause of the damage and the recommended repair plan.
This step not only ensures you get an accurate diagnosis, but it also prevents contractors from upselling unnecessary services. With an engineer’s report in hand, you can request quotes from multiple foundation repair companies for the same scope of work. This makes it easier to compare estimates fairly and avoid overspending.
Can I Skip The Repairs And Sell My Home With Foundation Defects?
If you need to sell your house even though it has foundation problems, it’s important to be honest about it and adjust your asking price accordingly. If foundation problems are discovered during a home inspection, the buyer may choose not to buy because they may wonder what other issues the house has that haven’t been disclosed. Foundation problems can greatly affect the structural stability of a house. Therefore, if potential buyers discover hidden foundation issues, they may choose to withdraw their interest. However, if the house is priced appropriately and all information is transparently disclosed, a buyer may still decide to purchase the property and address the foundation problems.
Do Not Hide The Foundation Problems When Selling Your Home
If you did not disclose foundation flaws to the buyers, you may face a lawsuit if they find out after the purchase. The court may not only order you to refund the buyer’s payment but also pay punitive damages for being negligent. Alternatively, the court may order you to pay for the foundation repairs along with punitive damages. To avoid such situations, it is recommended to inform potential buyers about any foundation problems.
To increase the chances of selling your house and selling it for a higher price, it’s best to fix any foundation problems you have if you’re able to. When you fix the issues, potential buyers will see that the repairs are backed by a lifetime warranty and will be more interested in your house. On the other hand, selling a house with foundation problems “as-is” can only attract buyers who are willing to take a big risk and buy it for a bargain.
Sell Your House With Foundation Problems As-Is For Cash
If repairing your foundation isn’t financially possible, there’s still another option: selling your house as-is for cash. Integrity House Buyers specializes in helping homeowners across Clarksville and Middle Tennessee who need to sell quickly—no matter the condition of the property.
We purchase houses with foundation problems, water damage, fire damage, or other structural challenges. Our process eliminates the need for repairs, inspections, or drawn-out financing. After a quick evaluation, we can often provide a cash offer within 24 hours and close in as little as a week.
If you’re tired of dealing with costly repairs and want a straightforward way to sell your house fast in Clarksville, give Integrity House Buyers a call at 717-639-2164 or fill out the form on our website. We’re a trusted local home-buying company with a strong reputation, and we’re here to help you move forward—foundation problems and all.