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
Ginny Bartolone  •  Apr 10, 2026
11 Warning Signs of Foundation Issues
Need help identifying foundation damage? Learn about the signs of foundation issues, the underlying causes, and what to do if you find them in your home.
Marwa Hasan  •  Apr 10, 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.
Bry'Ana Arvie  •  Apr 5, 2026
11 Foundation Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Home Standing Strong
Are you looking for some foundation maintenance tips to protect yourself from costly repairs? Get actionable tips here in this expert guide.
Haley Nothstein  •  Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does a Foundation Cost to Build? [2026 Data]
A foundation for a new-build home averages around $11,000. Find out all the factors that affect the cost of a foundation and how to save money.
Deane Biermeier  •  Aug 8, 2023
Basement Foundation Types, Pros, and Cons
Learn about choosing between a basement foundation and other types, and discover the pros, cons, costs, materials, and potential repair needs.
Bry'Ana Arvie  •  Jan 29, 2022
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.
Lawrence Bonk  •  Sep 28, 2021
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!).
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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.

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.

In order to raise your home to make foundation repairs, you'll need to bring in a structural engineer to help you design the project. You'll also need to see if you're eligible for the permits needed, and contact a foundation repair company near you.

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.