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While it can be difficult to identify a bad foundation at first glance, look for large horizontal cracks, discoloration, bulging basement walls, or signs of water damage. You may also see large gaps between the home and the foundation on the outside or signs of pooling water from a recent storm.

Yes, all basement floors crack in response to the natural settlement of the soil around them and from concrete shrinkage as it cures, and you’ll see hairline cracks as a result. However, you should keep an eye on your basement floor to see if cracks continue to lengthen or widen or show signs of water intrusion. In any of these cases, the problem is likely not settling or shrinkage, and a professional repair is necessary.

If your building department catches you or a contractor doing foundation work without proper permits, they will likely put the work on hold until you secure the necessary permits, which can cause delays of days or even weeks. You can also face violation charges for construction without a permit, which can cost hundreds, depending on where you live.

While a contractor is on-site repairing your concrete steps, you can have them inspect other concrete surfaces for minor damage. They may be able to fix cracks in your driveway or garage floor during the same visit. You can also ask them to check your home's foundation for minor issues they can address. However, general concrete repair experts typically cannot handle larger jobs, like leveling a sunken foundation. For major structural projects, you will need to hire a structural engineer.