A home is only as strong as its foundation. Too often homeowners focus on visible issues when caring for their home or getting it ready to sell. If there are problems below, the beautiful updates and repairs above may not matter regarding resell value. Does foundation repair increase your home’s value? Yes, it absolutely does. Let’s look at the impact of foundation issues on value, repair costs, and things you can do now to keep your foundation strong and healthy.
Foundation Issues are Warning Signs to Homeowners and Buyers
Whether you are getting ready to sell or plan to stay in your home for years to come, foundation issues are warning signs of problems that only get worse if ignored.
Almost every foundation issue stems from water. Rainwater and poor drainage cause water to sit around the foundation of your home putting pressure on basement walls or degrading the crawlspace area.
When a potential buyer tours your home, obvious signs of water damage to your foundation include cracks in basement walls, condensation, efflorescence, pooling water in your basement, and a musty smell in your basement and perhaps in your home from your crawlspace. While these are the obvious signs, other symptoms that can be observed are saggy floor joists, high in the air, stuck windows and doors, and poor air quality.
A house can hold great visual appeal from a cosmetic standpoint but when warning signs of foundation issues are present, a buyer can quickly and easily decide to walk away.
As a homeowner these issues are often ignored which only makes the problem worse over time. Besides structural issues, a poor foundation allows water to enter your home. This makes it a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and fungus along with poor air quality and health impacts over time.
Average Costs of Foundation Repairs in Birmingham, AL
Homeowners can expect to pay an average of almost $5,000 for foundation repairs in Jefferson County AL. Sometimes this number grows even higher depending on the level of damage. In addition to this, you may need mold remediation, and other cleanup and correction needed inside the home from the damage.
When selling a home with needed foundation repair, a homeowner can expect to either pay to have the home repaired before selling or expect to take the cost from the selling price of the home. In addition to the loss of money, the time and stress of the process can really make the home-selling process even more difficult.
Foundation issues and water damage will be noted in a home inspection. Water damage is the number one problem cited in homes by inspectors and may end a deal with a buyer when discovered. It pays to be proactive in dealing with water damage and foundation repairs.
Best Practices for Preventing Foundation Issues in Your Home
Since most foundation issues are caused by water invading your home, there are some things you can do now to prevent them from happening and possibly losing value in your home in the future.
- Keep gutters and downspouts in good condition.
- Keep the landscape properly graded so water flows away from your home.
- Take care in the choice and position of planting trees around your home. Know how far the roots will spread and how that may impact your home in the future.
- Make sure any cracks in the walls of your basement are properly inspected and dealt with early on.
- Regularly inspect crawlspaces for signs of water damage such as condensation, mold, mildew, fungus, pest infestation, foul smells, and degrading floor joists. Take proper waterproofing measures to address any issues because major damage occurs.
- Install a sump pump in your basement to divert water to the proper places.
Waterproofing Now is Key to Keeping or Increasing Your Home’s Value
Proper waterproofing of basements and crawlspaces now can increase your home’s value over time. You can expect around a 30% return on investment by waterproofing your home. Realtors will have an easier time promoting your home for sale with the peace of mind waterproofing brings also!
Aqua-Guard Waterproofing Can Help Prevent Foundation Repair Issues
Our team at Aqua-Guard Waterproofing can solve all of your water problems that lead to foundation repair needs. We offer waterproofing for both basements and crawlspaces, sump pump installation, crawlspace waterproofing, and crawlspace encapsulation. We also offer a “Life of the Structure” warranty that guarantees our work no matter who the future owner of the home is. This warranty brings confidence to potential buyers and peace of mind to homeowners!
Contact us for a free consultation to make sure that you get the most value for the sale of your home or the peace of mind that your home’s foundation is strong and dry!