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Foundation settlement should be a concern if you notice it happening suddenly and years after construction, if the settlement results in signs of structural damage in your home, or if it happens after a flood, nearby sinkhole, or earthquake. Some signs of severe foundation settlement that should prompt you to call a repair specialist include sloping or uneven floors, large cracks in your foundation, moisture issues or pest infestation in your basement or crawl space, and an uneven roofline.

You can strengthen a weak foundation using a few different foundation repair methods, including underpinning, slab jacking, foam jacking, installing carbon fiber support strips, or using a sealant or epoxy crack injection. It’s worth noting that the best way to strengthen your foundation permanently is to fix the underlying issue first and then use a permanent solution to reinforce it. If you’re unsure who to call for foundation repairs, a foundation repair contractor or structural engineer can help find the best solution for your home.

Generally, foundation cracks and repair are not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. This type of damage is often considered normal wear and tear or a result of poor maintenance, which is the homeowner's responsibility. For example, damage caused by settling, shifting soil, or drainage issues is typically excluded.

However, there are exceptions. Coverage may apply if the foundation damage is a direct result of a covered peril, such as a house fire, a burst pipe, vandalism, or a vehicle accident. Coverage for natural disasters like earthquakes and floods often requires a separate, specific policy or add-on.

Foundation problems are costly to repair, but if you already own the home, you can either handle the issues or allow the property to (literally) sink into disrepair. The opposite is true when buying a home. Walk away if the seller refuses to lower the asking price once foundation issues are exposed or if they refuse to handle the problems before the completion of the sale.