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Most single-story homes don't have foundations strong enough to support a second story, but they can be reinforced for an addition. A structural engineer can assess your foundation and what needs to be done to get it ready. They'll look at any cracks or unevenness in your current foundation and consider any special framing or beams your home needs, especially if it’s in a high-wind or hurricane area.

“To support a second story, many structural engineers will require that you install additional concrete piers in the crawlspace,” says Tschudi. “This involves hand excavating, pouring a large concrete footing—usually with specially coated rebar—and then building concrete piers right up to the girders.”

You’ll need to reseal the foundation every five to 10 years, depending on the sealant you’ve used, the moisture conditions present in and around your home, and the condition of your foundation. Having a foundation inspection conducted before reapplication can help you catch any problems before you begin resealing. Of course, if you notice any new leaks or other moisture problems at any time, it may be necessary to reseal the foundation sooner.

New constructions need time to “settle” and sometimes, small hairline cracks occur as a result. Larger horizontal or “stair step” cracks, however, are usually a sign of a deeper, more severe issue. It could indicate an issue with the soil beneath the home, a problem caused by an overgrown tree, or another problem.

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.