Nothing beats a solid foundation! This holds true in business, relationships, and construction! In my opinion, it’s the single most important component of a home. The foundation, after all, supports the floors we walk on and the house we live in. Certified Home Inspections recommends a home inspection to determine the condition of the foundation before you purchase a home.
Valparaiso, IN was founded in the early 1800’s and the first log cabin built by 1834. Home builders have been busy swinging hammers throughout the region ever since. Which means many of the nearly 15,000 housing units in Valparaiso are resting on older foundations. Our licensed inspectors are experienced and have been inspecting these older residential and commercial building foundations in Valparaiso since 2003
Various materials were used to build foundations over the years. In the beginning, builders and handymen constructed homes on fieldstone foundations giving little thought to lot drainage. Poor lot and foundation drainage causes damage to stone and mortar. Eventually, builders started installing ceramic drain tiles around the footer of the foundation like the farmers did in their fields. These pipes did eventually move and many collapsed due to age and settlement. Brick, block, and finally poured concrete foundations would follow. Advancements in drainage systems were made as corrugated plastic drain tile and sump pits replaced the ceramic tile drainage systems.
Issues such as horizontal cracking, leaning or bowing, effervescence, settling, poor drainage and water damage, are some of the foundation related issues are trained inspectors are looking for. In addition, we have knowledge and experience identifying wall stabilization and water control systems installed post-construction. It is important to know that your inspector is familiar with and equipped to inspect all of these possible foundation defects and different systems.
Certified Home Inspections believes a solid foundation inspection is a crucial part of providing a complete and quality home inspection. A solid foundation is the start to a solid home!