Foundation Tips for Buying a Home

Soil Conditions can Impact Your Home's Foundation

We often get asked if there are certain parts of Kansas City that people should avoid when buying a home, specifically for foundation issues. PierMagic is a locally owned and operated business known for its experience with the clay soil in this area. Homeowners around Kansas City turn to PierMagic to get insight into specific areas that may suffer from the foundation damage caused by the soil conditions. It is an important consideration for home buyers because they are about to make the biggest investment of their lives and want to make an informed decision before purchasing.

There is not one specific area of any city that we service that is more at risk. We service the entire Kansas City metro, from Oak Grove to Harrisonville and Olathe to Liberty, and all the cities in between. However, we do have a few tips for anyone looking to purchase a home.

• Be careful when buying a home with large trees close to the home. Tree roots can grow into the foundation of a home and cause foundation damage.
• Pay attention to the grading of the yard, it is important that the yard slope away from the foundation so that water does not pool near the foundation and cause damage.
• It is normal for a home to have some slight settling from summer to winter due to the changes in the soil. Cracks in the drywall are a sign of a possible foundation repair needs. However, most houses do get a few cracks in the drywall. Look for large cracks or an excessive number of cracks.
• Unlevel floors are another sign of foundation settlement, but again if it is only slight then it could be normal settlement. It is best to have a trained technician evaluate a home to be sure the foundation is strong.
• Look for gaps between the molding and the walls, this could be a sign of the foundation settling.
• Examine the foundation walls and look for any walls that might be bowing inward.

RELATED: How to Check the Foundation of Your Home in 7 Simple Steps

It is always best to have a trained professional evaluate a foundation to ensure it is in good condition. Please contact PierMagic to receive an unbiased assessment of your home’s foundation.