As Tampa storms become more frequent and severe, you, as a homeowner here, should consider your property’s flood risk. According to First Street, a nonprofit research and technology organization, 55,365 properties in the city are at risk of flooding within the next three decades. It represents 45.5% or nearly one in every two of all properties.
The figures above are bad enough, but direct flood damage isn’t the only thing you should worry about. Floods, like Tampa’s extreme weather conditions, can also contribute to foundation damage.
All those stats and facts underscore the importance of foundation inspection.
But when is it the right time to hire professional inspectors to perform a building foundation analysis, and why do such inspections even matter?
Join us at Central Florida Building Inspectors as we share crucial insights answering those questions about inspecting home foundations.
Why a Home Foundation Inspection Matters
The foundation plays a pivotal role in a home’s durability and stability because it:
- Supports and provides the structure above it with a solid, level base
- Evenly distributes the weight of the structure
- Acts as a barrier against detrimental soil conditions (e.g., erosion)
- Protects against moisture
- Prevent critters living in the soil from entering through the floor
So, if your home’s foundation sustains damage, the results could be disastrous. Your house could:
- Become uneven or sink into the ground
- Crack or break apart
- Sustain water damage
- Be more vulnerable to mold growth and pest infestations
Unfortunately, home foundations are easy to overlook despite their crucial roles, considering their installation location, typically below or on the ground. Years can go by without homeowners thinking about them and their condition until problems like unevenness and moisture worsen.
Therefore, foundation inspection matters because it accurately assesses and identifies a foundation’s condition. It can reveal if you’re dealing with home structural integrity concerns. It pinpoints existing and potential problems, helping ensure licensed professionals can develop a tailored foundation repair plan that addresses the specific issues.
The Right Time to Conduct a Home Foundation Inspection
Given Tampa’s unique and extreme environmental conditions, it’s wise to get a foundation and property stability evaluation once yearly. Ideally, you should have it done outside of West Central Florida’s rainy season, which, as the National Weather Service explains, runs from May 25 to October 10.
Spring or fall is best, as winter in Tampa, despite being mild, can still make critters want to seek refuge in your home. They can do so by entering cracks and gaps in your foundation.
To make things simpler and more convenient, you should consider scheduling an inspection for your entire home.
In addition to scheduling a professional foundation inspection once yearly, there are other “best” or key times to book this service for your Tampa home. Let’s examine each of them below.
You’re Selling Your Home
According to Bankrate, not only could foundation issues result in costly home repairs, but they can also lower property values. So, if you’re selling your home with foundation problems, expect prospective buyers to negotiate a lower price. They may even back out, prolonging the time your house remains on the market.
So, schedule a pre-sale house and foundation inspection before selling your home. If the assessment uncovers problems with the foundation, consider professional repairs to prevent your home’s value from dropping significantly.
Right After a Natural Hazard
In addition to flooding, Tampa.gov says that, due to the city’s coastal location and topography, it’s significantly vulnerable to natural hazards like:
- Hurricanes
- Tornadoes
- Sinkholes
If one or more of the above occurs, take it as a sign to schedule a foundation inspection. Failure to act promptly can render your home susceptible to water and pest intrusion.
Multiple Neighbors Have Foundation Issues
Do you have many neighbors who complain about having foundation problems? If so, it could be a neighborhood-wide issue, especially if you live somewhere with a homeowners association or a planned community. A single construction company typically builds homes in such places.
Contact a licensed home inspector immediately. The professional can assess whether your home has poor construction or sits on unstable soil and now requires foundation repair.
You Notice Physical Damage
It’s common for buildings to settle and shift over time, so as part of your home maintenance program, keep an eye out for signs warranting a foundation inspection. Examples include:
- Cracks wider than 1/8 inch on walls, ceiling, or brickwork
- Doors and windows that stick or are difficult to open
- Drainage problems and water leaks
- Uneven or sloping floors
- Water in the basement or crawlspaces
- Gaps or separation in walls
- Bulging or bowing walls
Please don’t delay scheduling a home foundation inspection as soon as you spot any of the above. The sooner a professional inspector can assess your foundation, the sooner they can provide tailored recommendations to fix existing problems and prevent new ones from developing.
You Plan to Rent Your Home Out
In Tampa, Florida, rental homes must comply with all applicable building, housing, and health codes. City officials often require properties to undergo inspections to ensure they are safe, secure, and habitable. For your property to be rent-worthy, the following building components must be in good working condition:
- Roof
- Windows
- Floors
- Exterior walls
- Foundations
Since foundation problems can affect all those other building components, you’d want to catch and fix them before renting out your property. Otherwise, your property may fail to meet the legal requirements, and you’ll be unable to rent your home to tenants.
Schedule Foundation Inspection Today
As you learned in this guide, there are many “right” times to conduct a foundation inspection, such as every spring or fall, if you plan to sell or rent your home, and after a natural hazard occurs. The most crucial thing is never to delay the assessment, especially if you’ve noticed physical damage.
Central Florida Building Inspectors’ team of highly experienced, licensed professional inspectors can help. Our family-owned company has been in business since 1988 and conducts thousands of residential and commercial inspections annually. With our in-depth knowledge, local expertise, and state-of-the-art technology, we’ll ensure your home in Tampa or elsewhere in Central Florida undergoes detailed scrutiny.
Speak with us today to learn more about our services and to request your free phone estimate!
