Foundation Inspection Overview
A foundation inspection is often the right first step when you notice something unusual — a new crack, a door that recently started sticking, or floors that feel different than they used to. An inspection gives you an informed picture of your foundation's condition before you commit to any repair work or budget. It can also be an important part of buying or selling a home in the Jackson metro, where Yazoo clay movement means foundation concerns are relatively common in older and newer properties alike.
When requesting an inspection, describe everything you have noticed, even if it seems minor. Include the approximate age of the home, the type of foundation if you know it, any previous repairs you are aware of, and whether the property has had drainage or water issues. A thorough inspection should result in a written summary of what the professional observed and, if problems are found, what they recommend. Ask whether the inspection report will be provided in writing.
- A foundation inspection typically involves examining the exterior perimeter, interior floors and walls, and — for pier-and-beam homes — the crawl space
- Inspections are commonly requested when buying or selling a home, after a significant rain event or drought period, or when symptoms appear
- Ask whether the inspection includes a written report and what that report will cover
- A foundation inspection and a structural engineering evaluation are different things — clarify with the professional what level of assessment you are receiving
- In the Jackson area, Yazoo clay conditions mean that the time of year (wet vs. dry season) can affect what a professional observes during an inspection
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