Selling a home with a cracked foundation sounds like a difficult process, but it does not have to be.
Many times, homeowners do not know that their home has foundation problems until they are getting ready to sell. This can be a huge annoyance if you have never dealt with it before.
Today we are talking about everything you need to know to sell a house with foundation issues with the least amount of hassle possible.
How Do I Know if I Have Foundation Issues?
Generally, foundation issues are caused by settling. Setting occurs naturally as temperatures shift, water levels fluctuate, and weather changes. A cracked foundation is not cause for worry by itself, but there are signs you should look for to determine whether or not the problem is serious:
- Water in the basement or crawl spaces
- Misaligned windows and doors
- Windows that have cracks in the glass or will not shut fully
- Sloping floors or uneven wood planks
- Cracks in tile flooring
- Large gaps in the exterior concrete
- Cracks in drywall
- Gaps between the wall and the ceiling
Determine the Severity of the Damage
After checking for signs of foundation damage, you will want to determine the severity of the problem. The type of cracks in your foundation can provide insight into the gravity of the situation.
- Horizontal cracks – This is the most alarming type of crack to watch out for. You may need an entirely new foundation to properly stabilize your home.
- Masonry join cracks – These cracks are usually not troublesome unless they are larger than a quarter of an inch.
- L-shape cracks – These cracks usually appear due to sloping in the earth and do not always indicate foundation damage.
- Hairline cracks – These cracks are normal and rarely signify foundation damage.
If you notice any concerning indicators, it may be time to hire a professional foundation repair company to perform a thorough inspection.
Check Your Home Insurance Policy
Once you have determined the foundation issues that need fixing, you should check your homeowners’ insurance policy to see if they will cover any of the repair costs. You may be covered if the foundation damage occurred due to a natural disaster, but most policies will not cover destruction caused by settling or negligence.
Fixing the Foundation Issues
If your homeowners’ insurance policy will not cover the repairs, you have two options:
- Fix the foundation issues.
- Try selling the house as-is.
If you want to have the issues fixed, you will need to hire a structural engineer. Foundation repair costs vary based on many factors, but according to HomeAdvisor, the typical homeowner pays between $1,978 and $6,977.
If you do not have the time or money to repair the damages, you can try selling your home as-is. Some buyers see homes with extensive damage as an investment opportunity. Although you will probably have to lower the asking price, it is not impossible to make the sale.
Sell Your House as-is With NH Home Buyers, LLC
If you are feeling discouraged about your home’s cracked foundation, NH Home Buyers is here to alleviate your stress. We buy houses in as-is condition with no fees or commissions. We are ready to give you a fair, all-cash offer for your New Hampshire home.
If you are located in Hillsborough, Rockingham, Merrimack, or Strafford counties, contact us to get your fair cash offer today!