Unless selling, "as is", you are required by law to disclose known defects,
including structural movement. Structural movement is a broad term and one that is hard to pin down.
When putting your
house on the market it is wise to get an experts opinion on the structural integrity of the home. Several factors must be
considered in determining “structural” movement or damage. Size, age and number of cracks, as well as crack pattern
are among those factors. Sloping or uneven floors are also criteria. Floors slope for several reasons, sometimes not related
to structural movement. Houses in North Texas often settle due to shrinking soils. They also heave upward
due to expanding soils. To the untrained eye they both look the same, but effectively dealing with them are completely different.
Sloping floors are also occasionally due to shoddy building practices. Each of the occurrences is distinctively
different in nature, and must be addressed accordingly. You can fix settlement in a wall with piers,
you can’t pier a heaved wall without likely cause additional damage. Unfortunately some contractors don’t know
the difference between settlement or upheaval, or don’t care. Knowing what’s really happening to your
home can save you thousands of dollars in un-necessary repairs.
Often
contractors will recommend piering or other expensive structural repairs when much less expensive cosmetics and proper maintenance
will solve the problem.
These are but a few of the reasons you need a “friend”
in your corner when dealing with real, perceived or potential foundation problems. For a few dollars, I can be that friend.
I’ll re-assure you if your problem is not structural. I will show you how to prevent or stop problems with simple maintenance.
If structural problems exist, I will explain your options and help you find a good contractor, with a good product, at a reasonable
price. We will also avoid “excess repairs”, which could save you thousands of dollars.