Interviewing the Experts: Foundation Insights for Homebuyers
When you’re buying a home, foundation issues can feel intimidating. To clear up the confusion, I interviewed Cody Wellner, Assistant Sales Manager at Groundworks San Jose, about the most common questions buyers have when it comes to foundations.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, here’s what you should know.
Cody: Neither is “better.” Both types can experience settlement—and both are fixable. We measure whether a slope exceeds one inch over 20 feet, which is the industry standard. Tools like zip levels and box lasers help us check and show results to the homeowner.
👉 Takeaway: Don’t worry too much about crawl space vs. no crawl space. Focus instead on whether the slope is within normal limits.
Cody: Small cracks and minor slopes are not always an issue—it depends on severity and whether they’re inside or outside. Most homes settle in the first 10 to 15 years, but water intrusion can make things worse quickly.
👉 Takeaway: Cracks aren’t always bad, but keep an eye on them—especially if they grow or appear alongside water issues.
Cody: Watch for:
Cracking drywall
Gaps where the baseboard meets the floor
Cracked floor tiles
Doors and windows sticking
Patched cracks that weren’t fully repaired
👉 Takeaway: If you see patched cracks or sticking doors during a walk-through, it’s worth calling a foundation expert.
Cody: Anytime you notice changes or signs of water. There’s no job too small—a specialist will let you know if it’s serious.
👉 Takeaway: Don’t wait. Even small concerns are worth a professional look.
Cody: It depends on cost vs. value. If the repair cost plus the purchase price exceeds the home’s value, you may want to reconsider. However, if repairs have already been done and there’s a transferable warranty, that’s a great sign.
👉 Takeaway: Foundation issues don’t always mean a deal breaker—sometimes previous repairs can be a benefit.
Cody: Always consider having a specialty foundation contractor evaluate the home. General inspectors often aren’t qualified to diagnose foundation issues or check crawl spaces thoroughly.
👉 Takeaway: Don’t rely only on a general home inspection—get a foundation specialist’s opinion.
Foundation issues can sound scary, but as Cody explains, many problems are fixable. The key is knowing what signs to look for and when to bring in an expert.
When we’re touring homes, I usually keep my eyes open for cracks, sticking doors, or patched drywall—so you can focus on the home’s layout and potential, not its foundation worries.
Assistant Sales Manager at Groundworks San Jose
www.groundworks.com
Susanna Leung’s goal as a real estate professional with Haylen Group is to help her first-time home buying clients find that perfect home where their families can grow, thrive, and live their dreams in the United States. She applies her experience in remodeling, resource networking, negotiations, and advanced marketing to provide her clients with dedicated, full coverage service.
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