Get matched with top foundation repair specialists in Winnemucca, NV

No, house settling is normal as your home’s foundation settles into the soil below and as the framing of your home shifts as it expands and contracts with changes in temperature and moisture. However, if you get to the point where your doors and windows aren’t opening easily, your floors are uneven, or you can visibly see that your roof line is wavy or uneven, you are more likely to have foundation issues.

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 can buy a home with foundation issues, but understanding the extent of the problem and what solution you need is critical. If you learn that a home you’re trying to buy has a foundation problem, it’s not necessarily a deal breaker, but you should have a professional assess the issue to see how severe it is and know when to walk away from a foundation problem. Foundation issues can necessitate simple and affordable solutions or complex work that costs thousands. 

Periodic sealing and cleaning to maintain appearance and integrity.