Ensuring Your Home's Structural Integrity: What to Watch Out For

Whether you reside in an apartment, condo, or a single-family house, your utmost concern is having a secure dwelling— not just in a safe neighborhood, but also in terms of physical soundness. Structural issues can pose not only a safety risk but also affect your home's value when it comes time to sell. Therefore, it's crucial to be informed about the structural problems that can impact your home, how to recognize them, their implications, and how to address them.

So, what are these structural issues? Structural issues can manifest in various forms, ranging from minor concerns like a small roof leak to more substantial problems such as subsidence (gradual sinking of the ground beneath your home). Common signs of structural problems include:

1. Cracks in walls or the foundation.
2. Bulging or bowing walls.
3. Doors and windows that no longer align properly in their frames.
4. Water pooling or leaking.

A structurally sound home doesn't exhibit any of these issues. These problems can be indicative of subsidence, instability, or inadequate sealing, and they may also be linked to HVAC system malfunctions.

While being 100% certain about your home's structure often necessitates professional consultation, most people can identify apparent issues. In general, it's advisable to have a home inspection before moving in and then establish a regular maintenance routine to preserve your property's well-being.

For a thorough assessment of structural issues, engaging a professional inspector or engineer is the best course of action.

Identifying a Structurally Sound Home There are four primary types of warning signs that should prompt you to seek professional assistance without delay:

1. Cracks:

   • Cracks in walls, ceilings, foundations, or chimneys can be problematic.
   • While minor cracks during seasonal changes or when a new house settles are usually not a cause for concern, it's essential to investigate further if the crack exceeds a quarter-inch in width or continues to widen.
   • Pay attention to the crack's orientation; horizontal cracks are more likely to indicate genuine structural problems, suggesting lateral stress on the walls.

2. Bulging, Bowing, or Uneven Walls and Windows:

   • Floors that bulge, walls that bow, and doors or windows that no longer sit level can be signs of structural issues.
   • These deformations often stem from structural instability or uneven settling, indicating potential major damage down the line.
   • Regularly inspect vulnerable areas, such as door and window openings, for any emerging issues. Consult a professional to assess and determine the cause if you observe such problems.

3. Water Pooling or Leaks:

   • Water infiltration can lead to frequent puddles or constantly damp walls, usually resulting from a leaky roof or pipes or poor weather sealing.
   • Persistent water damage can be costly to repair and may lead to complications like mold growth.
   • Leaky roofs can also become unstable as water wears away the supporting materials.

4. Sinking:

   • If your home sinks significantly deeper into its foundation, it might indicate a problem.
   • Houses typically settle into their foundations over time, but if this settling exceeds a few inches or occurs suddenly, it could signal trouble.
   • Sinking is often associated with foundation damage and may accompany other issues on this list, such as wall cracks or water leaks.

To address structural issues effectively, follow these steps:

1. Promptly seek professional evaluation: Contact a licensed foundation repair contractor or structural engineering firm to assess the problem's severity and determine necessary repairs and associated costs. Act fast when sinking is suspected.

2. Select the right contractor: Once you've identified the issue, look for a contractor specialized in addressing that particular problem, whether it's foundation engineering, roofing repairs, or plumbing issues.

3. Contact your insurance company: Structural repairs can be expensive, and your homeowners insurance might cover part of the expenses. Before commencing any work, notify your insurer to ensure you have their approval for major home alterations.

Whether you are buying or selling a house, keeping an eye out for structural issues is essential. Depending on your role in the real estate transaction, you should follow the recommended course of action:

For Buyers: Assuming you haven't waived the inspection contingency, schedule a home inspection before closing. The inspection report can identify any major structural issues and help you plan for necessary repairs. It's crucial to ensure your safety, insurability, and budget suitability.

If the inspection reveals costly issues like a cracked foundation, engage in negotiations with the seller. You might seek concessions on the purchase price to accommodate essential repairs. If the repairs make the property unaffordable, and the seller won't cooperate, be prepared to walk away.

Additionally, get an estimate from the inspector or a contractor to budget for immediate repairs based on their recommendations.

If you are moving into a homeowners association community (HOA), reach out to the board for property information, including any inspections done prior to the sale. Communicate with the HOA about additional charges and applications for anticipated repairs to ensure a smooth process.

For Sellers: When selling your property, you must disclose any known structural issues before closing or even listing (as required by laws in many states). If you've inherited the home and aren't aware of any issues, check your state's real estate sales laws for clear guidelines on your responsibilities.

In such cases, it's often advisable to sell the home as-is to minimize your liability.

Be prepared to negotiate with buyers who discover disclosed structural problems. Some buyers might be interested in a fixer-upper, while others will expect the property to be in excellent condition or free from significant damage.

Negotiations may include price adjustments or a commitment to complete repairs before closing. If repairs are agreed upon, consider extending the closing date if necessary or decide to finance the repairs, keeping in mind that you may be responsible for expenses even after the property changes hands.

The next steps in addressing structural repairs involve the following:

1. Professional Evaluation: Hire a licensed foundation repair contractor or structural engineering firm to conduct an inspection and determine the best course of action.

2. Contractor Selection: Choose a contractor specialized in the identified problem based on recommendations from your inspector.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company: Reach out to your homeowners insurance provider before initiating any repairs, as they may be required to approve major changes to your property.

In summary, your home is a significant investment, and ensuring its structural integrity is crucial for maintaining its value. Whether you are moving in or out, prioritize a home inspection to address structural issues and avoid potential hazards. Neglecting problems can lead to increased damage over time and higher repair costs.

Source: Bankrate