For many, purchasing a new home is a huge milestone. One that takes years of saving and thousands of hours of hard work, but this one big accomplishment can be tainted if you discover unexpected pier and beam foundation issues after all the paperwork and inspections have gone through. In some rare circumstances, inspectors may fail to notice damage to your pier and beam foundation, leaving you with an unexpected costly repair. But don’t panic, In this blog, we will walk you through the steps to take if you are ever faced with this situation.
Pier and Beam Foundation Issues
What is a Pier and Beam Foundation?
A pier and beam foundation is a type of home foundation where the home rests on piers (concrete or wooden posts) and beams (wooden beams) that elevate the structure off the ground creating a crawl space. This type of home foundation helps make electrical and plumbing work easier and it creates access to these systems.
Signs You May Have Pier and Beam Foundation Problems
Most homeowners may not have a clue what to look out for, but they are easier to detect than you might think. Here are some signs you may want to look for while looking for a home:
- Uneven or sagging floors – A good test you could try is taking a smooth circular pen or pencil and placing it where you suspect uneven flooring. If it rolls you will know that the following is uneven. From here, you could inspect the crawl space in the affected area to see if there are any concerning issues.
- Cracks in walls or ceilings – Cracks can be more concerning on older homes due to the higher risk of there being issues with the pier and beam foundation. Whereas cracks on walls on new home builds could mean that the home is settling in. Always speak to your realtor of your findings to ensure that there are not any major problems.
- Doors and windows that get stuck or have issues closing properly – Another easy test you could do is going around and opening and closing doors and windows. These items should work seamlessly and if you feel any resistance opening and closing you should investigate further.
- Water pooling in the pier and beam foundation crawl space – If you notice water, these could have been caused in part of your home shifting and causing a leak in the home’s plumbing. If you suspect this has occurred. Shut off your water main and contact a professional to inspect the home.
How Inspectors Can Miss Foundation Damage
Home inspections are absolutely essential, but inspectors may not have the training or familiarity with home foundations, there may be inadequate access to the crawl space to inspect, or simply may have not noticed it. Foundation in Fort Worth Texas tend to flare up when there is heavy rainfall after a long period of drought. Once the water comes, the soil could soak up the moisture and shift the foundation and unfortunately can leave you unprepared for the financial burden of repairs.
Steps If You Suspect Pier and Beam Foundation Damage
1. Verify the Problem with a Foundation Repair Specialist Or Structural Engineer
While in the home buying processes and you suspect foundation issues, you should consult a foundation repair specialist or structural engineer. If you are in the Fort Worth or Dallas area Companies like Maestro’s Foundation Repair can provide an evaluation to confirm the extent of the damage and an estimate if your home will need foundation repair.
2. Take A Look At Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy
If the sale of your home already went through you should take a look into your homeowner’s insurance policy. Most standard insurance policies don’t cover foundation repairs caused by what they deem “natural wear and tear”. Some may cover pier and beam foundation damage from sudden events like floods. Review your policy carefully or consult your insurance provider for clarification.
3. Check for Seller Disclosure Violations
In many cases, sellers are required to disclose known issues with the property. If the damage was evident but not disclosed, you may have legal recourse. There are some cases where prior issues may not need to be disclosed. Always consult a real estate attorney to explore your options.
4. Plan Your Repair Budget
Pier and beam foundation repairs typically involve leveling the structure, replacing beams, or installing additional piers. Costs can range from a few thousand dollars to over $10,000. Budgeting for these repairs might involve using emergency savings, applying for a home equity loan or line of credit, or exploring payment plans options available by foundation repair companies
5. Prioritize Repairs Immediately
Foundation issues don’t resolve themselves and often worsen over time. Pier and Foundation repairs can prevent additional structural damage, ensuring your home remains safe and its value intact.
How to Prevent Future Foundation Surprises
Choose a Certified Inspector
When buying a home, hire a certified inspector with expertise in pier and beam foundations. Look for professionals with solid credentials and positive reviews.
Invest in Regular Maintenance
Periodic inspections and maintenance can catch small issues before they become costly repairs. Routine tasks include clearing drainage systems, checking for signs of water damage, and checking for sloping in your home. If you need more insight on what to look out for, check out our blog, “Does Your Home Need Foundation Repair?”
Partner with a Reliable Foundation Repair Company
Working with an experienced repair company like Maestro’s Foundation Repair ensures that your home’s foundation is in good hands. Their expertise in pier beam foundations guarantees quality workmanship and long-term solutions.
Discovering pier and beam foundation damage after purchasing a home can induce panic, but it’s a manageable challenge with the right approach. By taking immediate action, seeking professional advice, and planning your repairs, you can protect your investment and restore peace of mind.