Foundation

Your home's foundation is the structural base that supports everything above it, and keeping it in good shape protects your biggest investment. From hairline cracks to drainage concerns and settling issues, foundation problems can range from minor fixes to major repairs. Whether you need an inspection or waterproofing solutions, Angi connects you with pros who can assess and address your specific needs.

Related to Foundation

Foundation Articles and Advice
Marwa Hasan  •  May 18, 2026
What Are the Pros & Cons of Pier Foundations for Room Additions?
When picking a foundation for your room addition, pier and beam foundations provide an easy and affordable solution. Learn the pros and cons of pier foundations to make the best decision for your home extension.
Lawrence Bonk  •  May 5, 2026
20 Basement and Foundation Terms Every Homeowner Should Know
Your home’s foundation, including the basement, quite literally holds up the rest of the house. Learn 20 basement and foundation terms every homeowner should know (or at least bookmark, so they’re here when you need them!).
Ginny Bartolone  •  May 3, 2026
Do You Need Sand or Gravel Under Concrete?
Before you start pouring, should you use sand or gravel under a concrete slab? Let's explore how the foundation below your concrete works.
Dan Simms  •  May 3, 2026
Footing vs. Foundation: What’s the Difference?
Can’t tell the difference between a footing versus a foundation? Learn how they differ and how to tell them apart in this guide to foundations and footings.
Dan Simms  •  May 3, 2026
What Is a Monolithic Slab Foundation?
Learn what a monolithic slab foundation is, as well as its construction, advantages, and limitations to find out if it's the right choice for your home.
Rachel Hoffman  •  May 3, 2026
What Is a Raised Foundation and Is It Right for Your Home?
Raised foundations are a good choice for homes in areas prone to flooding or on uneven ground. Learn if a raised foundation is right for your home.
Em Norton  •  May 2, 2026
10 Foundation Refacing Tips to Boost Your Curb Appeal
A home’s foundation is important but it’s not always a pretty sight. We’ve compiled these foundation refacing tips to help make your home stop-and-stare-worthy.
Bry'Ana Arvie  •  May 2, 2026
8 Tips to Avoid Foundation Repairs
Foundation damage can lead to costly repairs, so use these tips to keep your foundation in good shape and protect your home’s structure.
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Common Foundation Questions

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.

Crawl space foundations can last for between 50 and 100 years, on average, provided they’re in conditions that are suitable for this foundation type and you care for and maintain them properly. Like any foundation style, they will need repairs and maintenance on occasion to prolong their lifespan. Most of the work that you’ll put into maintaining your crawl space will be to prevent moisture from wicking through the concrete walls, which can weaken the concrete over time and present issues with indoor humidity and mold growth.

You can use a level or straight-edge to test for plumb foundation walls and a level slab, a level or a ball to check for sloping floors inside your home, and a hygrometer to look for moisture in your underhome area. Aside from these DIY tests, it’s important to get a foundation repair specialist or structural engineer to test the foundation to see if it’s supporting your structure properly. They can determine if the loads on the concrete are uneven or need reinforcement.

Not all cracks in the basement floor signal foundation problems. As the house settles, you’ll notice very thin hairline cracks, which you don’t need to worry about. Cracks that are 1/8 inch or wider should require sealing, while ones that are 1/2 inch or wider require leveling. However, if you have cracks in your basement floor with heaving, you should call a pro to assess the situation. Heaving can lead to uneven flooring, structural issues, and foundation problems.

The cheapest way to hide foundations is to literally hide them. While some methods of foundation refacing are a little more involved, things like adding hedges or paint to cover up exposed foundation will come out cheaper.