What to do if your home has a crack in the foundation
Discovering a crack in the foundation of your home is not ideal, but it’s not always the end of the world. Although foundation trouble can lead to bigger (more expensive) problems, the truth is not all cracks along the bottom of your home are serious.
Let the foundation settle in a new home
If you purchased a new home, it’s common for concrete to expand and contract with changes in the temperature between seasons. Experts recommend letting the house sit for a year or two before finishing a basement or hanging items on the wall. This lets the foundation settle and avoids causing any cracks or damages.
Small cracks can be repaired
Not all cracks are created equal. It’s common for newer homes to develop small cracks in the foundation or along the floor base. Small cracks in the foundation can be repaired, and it doesn’t need to come with a hefty bill. Even new homeowners can DIY foundation repair. Take a photo of the crack and visit your local hardware store to purchase the materials needed to repair the crack, and prevent any further damage.
Seek advice from a professional
Before trying DIY, it’s important to consult with a professional. Although a foundation crack may appear to be small, there’s no way an untrained eye can determine the total extent of damage. Even little cracks at the bottom of your home can lead to more severe structural damage. That’s why it’s best to seek the advice of a professional who can determine if the crack is a quick fix or larger home repair problem.
Contact your insurance company
If the consultation dictates the crack requires extensive repairs, contact your home insurance provider before making any decisions, like hiring a professional to repair the damage. Your insurance company will be able to provide information on filing a claim to cover the repair costs, walk you through the steps in the repair process and recommend professionals in your area.
Assess the damage
If left unattended, a crack in the foundation of your home can lead to bigger troubles and additional expenses. If you notice cracks in the walls or ceiling, the cost of repairing the damage quickly increases. So it needs to be done sooner than later.
Letting cracks in the structure of your home linger can snowball into additional repairs. What may seem like a small crack may allow moisture and water to enter the dwelling, which may lead to more damage to your home and personal belongings.
If a crack in the foundation requires home renovations it is important to review your home insurance policy and contact your insurance company to inform them of the repairs and upgrades. In some cases, the value of your home will need to be re-evaluated. If the value of your home increases, you will need to update your insurance policy, and purchase additional coverage to ensure the true value of your home is covered.