Foundation

Your home's foundation is the structural base that supports everything above it, and keeping it in good shape protects your biggest investment. From hairline cracks to drainage concerns and settling issues, foundation problems can range from minor fixes to major repairs. Whether you need an inspection or waterproofing solutions, Angi connects you with pros who can assess and address your specific needs.
Foundation Articles and Advice
Whether trying to protect it or transport it, raising a house is no small feat. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the cost to raise a house.
A foundation for a new-build home averages around $11,000. Find out all the factors that affect the cost of a foundation and how to save money.
Are you looking for some foundation maintenance tips to protect yourself from costly repairs? Get actionable tips here in this expert guide.
Learn about what a floating slab foundation is, how it differs from a standard slab foundation, when it’s a useful foundation style, and more.
Concrete blocks and poured concrete are both common foundation materials. Learn the key differences between block and poured foundations.
Unsure if a crawl space or a basement foundation is better? Learn about the pros and cons of each, how they compare, and which is better for your home.
Not sure if a pier and beam or slab foundation is better for you? Learn about the pros and cons of each, get cost and value information, and more.
When building a home, it is critical that the foundation is square. Before you order the concrete for your foundation, read our guide to learn the right way to square a new foundation and avoid rework due to miscalculations.
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Common Foundation Questions

Cracked tiles can mean foundation problems. Fortunately, most of the time, cracked tiles happen as a result of accidental damage. It is important to determine the cause of cracking to rule out underlying foundation issues. If your tiles were not damaged due to dropped items, heavy loads, poor installation, or inferior tile quality, and the cracks are spreading throughout your flooring and not limited to just one area, you may be dealing with foundation problems. These can include drainage problems and even foundation failure, so it is vital to call a licensed contractor to assess the issue and ensure your foundation is safe.

Crawl space foundations can last for between 50 and 100 years, on average, provided they’re in conditions that are suitable for this foundation type and you care for and maintain them properly. Like any foundation style, they will need repairs and maintenance on occasion to prolong their lifespan. Most of the work that you’ll put into maintaining your crawl space will be to prevent moisture from wicking through the concrete walls, which can weaken the concrete over time and present issues with indoor humidity and mold growth.

You can use a level or straight-edge to test for plumb foundation walls and a level slab, a level or a ball to check for sloping floors inside your home, and a hygrometer to look for moisture in your underhome area. Aside from these DIY tests, it’s important to get a foundation repair specialist or structural engineer to test the foundation to see if it’s supporting your structure properly. They can determine if the loads on the concrete are uneven or need reinforcement.

Not all cracks in the basement floor signal foundation problems. As the house settles, you’ll notice very thin hairline cracks, which you don’t need to worry about. Cracks that are 1/8 inch or wider should require sealing, while ones that are 1/2 inch or wider require leveling. However, if you have cracks in your basement floor with heaving, you should call a pro to assess the situation. Heaving can lead to uneven flooring, structural issues, and foundation problems.

The cheapest way to hide foundations is to literally hide them. While some methods of foundation refacing are a little more involved, things like adding hedges or paint to cover up exposed foundation will come out cheaper.