At the showing
Look for cracks in brick and drywall, doors that stick, sloped floors and stains on basement walls. A small level or a marble helps.
Notice the smell: a musty basement tells a story.
Outside
Check that the soil slopes away, that gutters are in place, that downspouts discharge away and that nothing is piled against the wall.
Look for patched cracks and fresh paint at the base of walls.
Basement or crawl space
Ask to see the crawl space or basement. Look for water lines, mineral crust, bowing walls, sump pumps and a vapor barrier.
Bare soil and open vents are common issues.
Ask the seller
Ask about past repairs, leaks, flooding and any documentation or transferable records.
Honest answers help you plan.
Order an inspection
A foundation-specific inspection adds measurements, photos and plain-language findings beyond a general inspection.
Schedule it early in the option period.
Use the result
Minor findings can often be monitored. Larger findings can be repaired by the seller, priced into the offer or reasons to walk away.
A written report makes the conversation easier.
Look, ask and measure before you buy, and use a focused foundation inspection to turn worry into facts.
