Get matched with top chimney inspectors in Alford, FL

Many experts agree on a twice-yearly schedule for DIY foundation checks and professional inspections every one to three years, depending on the condition of your foundation. Visually checking your foundation twice a year will ensure that it is not damaged during severe summer or winter weather events. Extreme temperature changes impact the soil surrounding the foundation, as do lengthy rain storms. Both issues expose the foundation to excessive moisture, which is not good for its overall health and stability. Call a pro if you notice any damage or changes during your DIY check.

Start by finding the septic tank, marked by an access lid near your home. From there, the drain field extends outward in a series of trenches. Look for greener, lusher grass, as drain fields promote plant growth due to moisture and fertilizer. You can also check property records, use a soil probe to detect damp soil, or hire a septic professional with ground-penetrating radar equipment to map the drain field’s location.

Since radon typically comes out of the soil, it is most commonly found in the lower levels of a home. In houses with basements, that's a common location for radon. Homes built directly on the ground may have radon on the ground floors. Radon can be found on the upper floors of the home, but often in lower concentrations than in lower levels.

You might consider demolishing a house if it has a faulty foundation, widespread mold or pest damage, or other significant issues. Older homes with outdated wiring systems or dangerous materials could also be good candidates for demolition. Or, if you’re planning to remodel the entire home, you might find that it’s more cost-effective to tear it all down and start from scratch.