As a realtor, you understand how important it is to best represent your clients. One of the most important aspects of home selling is ensuring the property is in good condition before it hits the market. One of the biggest pitfalls homeowners can make is listing their home without first having it inspected for structural and foundation damage. Once a home hits the market, it must be in the best possible condition to attract potential buyers.
In this blog, we will discuss why it is essential to have a thorough inspection before listing a property to ensure that it is safe, in good condition, and attractive to potential buyers.
Why is it Essential to Have Structural and Foundation Inspection Before Listing Your Home?
A home with structural and foundation issues can have far-reaching effects on the sale of the property and the safety of the future owner. Homebuyers expect their new investment to be suitable for safe and comfortable living. While the home may seem initially appealing to the buyer, if there are underlying issues, it can affect the valuation of the property and its ability to sell as quickly as it otherwise would. By taking the time to have an inspection completed on the foundation and structure of the property, you can save yourself time and money down the road. This way, you can go to market knowing that there won’t be any nasty surprises for you or your clients.
What Causes Structural and Foundation Damage?
Several factors can ultimately cause structural and foundation damage to your property. One of the most common reasons is shifting soil. Additionally, natural disasters like earthquakes and floods can cause significant structural damage requiring inspection and repair. Other factors that can lead to structural and foundation damage include expansive soil, poor soil conditions, and plumbing or drainage leaks near the foundation of the property. It’s essential to conduct extensive inspections before listing a property – especially if the area is prone to conditions known to cause foundation issues.
What Are Some Signs of Structural and Foundation Damage?
When it comes to identifying structural and foundation damage to your property, it can be easy to overlook the signs. However, detecting the early signs of these issues is necessary to protect your property and ensure its stability. Plus, if your client knows the signs to look for, you can work together to create a strategy on how to proceed with the property listing.
Below are several of the most common signs of structural and foundation damage:
- Visible cracks on the walls and floors, and near ceilings
- Uneven flooring
- Doors and windows that no longer close properly
- Drywall cracks near doors or windows
- Cracked foundations
- Stair step cracks in brick
It is crucial to pay attention to these signs and not to ignore them when they appear. Catching these issues early can save potential buyers and sellers of properties from costly repairs.
What to Expect from Your Structural and Foundation Inspection?
When it comes to inspecting a home for foundation and structural integrity issues, it’s important to find a qualified professional. A home inspector or structural engineer will go in-depth and check for any visible signs of structural and foundation damage. They will then provide a report detailing their findings, including any defects. If repairs are needed, repairs should be undertaken by professionals who specialize in foundation repair. Working with an experienced inspector to conduct the examination is essential. Although it comes at an additional expense, it provides peace of mind to both a potential buyer and seller of a property, knowing that an expert in the field conducted the inspection thoroughly.
Reliable Structural Solutions at United Structural Systems
As a real estate expert, you are responsible for advising your clients appropriately and protecting everyone involved in a home transaction. As a foundation repair expert, USS is responsible for providing an honest assessment and an effective repair plan in a timely manner, should a property need it. Ensuring the home is in good condition with a thorough structural home inspection, or by offering the repair solution of a foundation specialist if it’s not, will provide potential buyers with peace of mind. By scheduling a structural and foundation inspection, you are protecting your client and any potential buyer. By working with professionals who adequately assess any issues and maintain open, honest communication, the selling experience will have fewer glitches, and the sale will go much smoother.