AT YOUR SERVICE

FOUNDATION Inspections

Foundation inspections are an important part of home ownership in the San Francisco Bay Area. This is due to the fact that much of the housing stock is older and may have been constructed with different methods and techniques than modern foundations. 

This is in addition to the fact that the San Francisco Bay Area is prone to earthquakes. Most are small but we always want to be ready for the larger seismic events as well. All of this, including the varying soil substrates that homes have been built on provide for cracking of foundation walls, uplift of soils, and generally settling that occurs on all homes.

Our foundation inspections can help you get prepared and give you a better understanding of the current condition of your foundation. As home inspectors San Francisco Bay Area, we look for cracks, separations, efflorescence, seismic retrofitting and many other items. We work hard to provide you with contextual understanding of the results and provide you with information on what to do next.

What’s Included?

• Foundation - We perform a visual examination of the foundation, identifying the type of materials i.e. concrete, slab on grade, or brick and then we inspect it for any defects, signs of moisture intrusion, settling or cracking.

• Floor Structure - Visual inspection of the floor structure, piers, and posts that the foundation and home rests on. We look for any signs of uplift, movement, ponding, rodents or other pests, or issue that could contribute to settling of the home.

• Wall Structure - Here we perform a visual inspection of the wall structure, if visible, including the mudsill, cripple wall, top plates and rim joists for any deficiencies.

• Ceiling Structure - Investigation of the crawlspace or basement ceiling where visible looking for signs of current or previous moisture intrusion from the homes plumbing system, signs of wood destroying pests, and any signs of movement or wood degradation.

• Vapor Retarders - Vapor barriers are recommended on homes that don't have a conditioned basement or crawlspace. We look to see if it's present and if so, what is the state of its current condition.

• Exterior Grounds - Visual examination of the exterior grounds, basic soil analysis, and lot drainage patterns that could negatively impact the foundation.