Selling a home in tip-top condition can be stressful and challenging, but trying to do so with foundation issues can be even more difficult. Unfortunately, you may not realize you have foundation problems until you’ve crossed the threshold and decided to sell.

So, if you find yourself questioning what to do – either sell with foundation issues or do the repairs – there are a few things you need to know first.

What Causes Foundation Issues?

Before you search for solutions, know what may have instigated your foundation’s failure. Here are some causes of foundation issues:

Evaporation
Improper drainage
Plumbing leaks
Low-quality soil
Inferior foundation construction
Insufficient soil structure
Transpiration

Whenever you’re dealing with a problem, especially a costly one such as foundation issues, always take the time to understand the root cause.

Signs of Foundation Issues

Just because you don’t see any cracks or problems on the exterior of your home doesn’t mean there aren’t foundation issues on the rise. Sometimes, the only way to know for sure is to have experts come out to your home to evaluate your foundation.

Here are a few warning signs that indicate your home may have foundation issues:

Doors and windows that are hard to open or close
Gaps between your doors or windows and their frames
Cracks in your walls, ceilings, or floors
Sagging or uneven floors
Sticking doors or windows
Water damage in your basement or crawlspace
Mold or mildew growth

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to consider your options. You may be selling your home with foundation issues – but that doesn’t mean all is lost!

Selling a House As Is vs. Repair Before Selling

Whether you sell your house with foundation issues or repair it before selling, both have their own set of pros and cons. Weigh your options and make the best decision based on your circumstances.

Selling “As Is”

Selling your home with existing foundation problems means selling the property in its current condition, warts and all. It could sound appealing because you won’t have to make any repairs, but you may not get top dollar for your home.

Repair Before Selling

Consider the following factors when deciding whether to repair your foundation before selling:

The cost of your foundation repairs: If the repairs are minor, it may be worth doing them to help increase the value of your home. However, doing them may not make financial sense if they’re significant.
How long you are planning to stay in the home: If you’re selling right away, doing the repairs may not be worth your time or money. However, if you’re planning on staying in your home for a while, it may make sense to do them sooner rather than later.
How long the repairs will take and whether that will fit into your timeline: Repairs may not be the best option if you’re in a hurry to sell.

Consequences of Selling a Home with Foundation Issues

Here are a few potential consequences you may encounter if you choose not to repair your foundation before selling:

Receive a lower sales price: If buyers see the damage and decide to make an offer, it will likely be for a lower price.
Face possible legal issues: If you’re not upfront about the damage and a buyer finds out later, they could come back and sue you for misrepresentation.

So, while it may be tempting to ignore foundation damage and hope for the best, it’s usually not worth the risk.

Let Us Help

If you’re unsure what to do next, now is the time to contact us. Our team at Pinnacle Foundation Repair will assess the damage, recommend the best action plan, and provide a fair estimate of service costs.

Here’s the 411 on Selling Your Home with Foundation Issues