It’s been said that trust is the foundation of a solid relationship, but how much do you trust your home’s foundation?

This engineering essential is surprisingly prone to a host of issues, which can impact both your home’s integrity and its resale value. However, if you make it a top priority to maintain the bottom level of your home, you can help safeguard the entire structure for years to come.

What to look for

Take a careful look at both the exterior and interior of your home. Should you notice any of the following signs, your foundation may need repairs.

Foundation cracks
Hairline cracks can form on any foundation as it settles, especially with concrete-based surfaces, but ones that are very long, horizontal, or over ⅛ of an inch wide may indicate a serious issue. If you spot any of these, call a local foundation expert immediately; the visible damage may have extended into the interior of the material, and the surface may even be bowing.

Uneven flooring
Smooth, level floors require a pristine surface underneath them, so if your foundation becomes problematic, you may encounter awkward dips or gaps or dislodged materials such as hardwood planks. In advanced stages of foundation decline, porches and decks can also start to sag or appear to separate from a home’s main structure.

Wonky walls
Because the frame of your home sits on its foundation, some odd things can start happening as the lower surface shifts unevenly. For example, long, vertical fractures may appear in your siding or interior walls, while your doors or windows may begin jamming consistently or even cracking. Should you fail to address these issues, more severe ones can develop, including gaps between your floors and walls, ceiling cracks, and drooping ceilings.

Leaks
A hair-raising crisis on its own, a leak in your plumbing system may be a secondhand effect of foundation damage. As the structure shifts, precise pipework can move or crack along with it. Worse, some types of foundations, such as basements without sufficient waterproofing, may leak water through their walls. Periodically look for signs of leaks, including reduced water pressure, mold and mildew growth, and unexplained water bill spikes.

Pressing repairs

Encountering any of the aforementioned signs of damage may be cause for alarm, so reach out to a foundation company right away before issues like bowing or uneven shifting worsen. Foundation repair is no joke, and no DIY fixes will make a significant impact at this point. Depending on the cause, severity of damage, and type of foundation you have, there are multiple professional solutions to address such problems, including installing piers to help anchor your foundation and keep it level and “slab jacking” by injecting a slurry of stabilizing material into it.

The average cost for these repairs is about $5,000 according to Angi, with major repairs costing up to $25,000 or even more, per Fixr.com. These may be shocking prices, but many foundation specialists offer financing options, and your homeowners insurance may even cover certain costs. Your fees will also vary based on the type and size of your foundation, extent of the damage, and ideal repair method.

An ounce of prevention

To help save money and hassle, invest a little time in home foundation protection. Maintain a clean and well-functioning roof-drainage system, which will direct water away from your foundation and prevent extreme soil erosion. If you have a wooden foundation, keep it pest-free: hire an exterminator to inspect your home and conduct treatments at least once a year, and keep an eye out for signs of concerning activity like termite wings littered on the ground. The more effort you invest in these preventative measures, the less you may have to invest in repairing your foundation down the line.

Before making any renovations or significant aesthetic changes to your home, conduct a foundation checkup to ensure that the structure is in good shape. Make it a priority to review your house periodically for signs of damage, and you’ll lay the groundwork for a stable home.