Industry experts typically recommend having your foundation professionally evaluated every one to three years, complemented by personal visual checks twice yearly. If you notice potential warning signs like widening cracks, door alignment issues, or unusual moisture patterns, schedule a professional assessment right away, regardless of your regular inspection timeline. Maintaining this schedule helps identify developing problems before they require extensive repairs.
Be vigilant for wall or floor cracks (particularly those wider than 1/8 inch), doors that suddenly stick or won't close properly, noticeable floor slopes, and gaps appearing between walls and ceilings. External indicators include water pooling near your foundation after rainfall and visible shifts in foundation walls. These symptoms often signal foundation movement that should be professionally evaluated to prevent escalating damage.
Standard insurance policies typically classify routine foundation inspections as preventative maintenance rather than covered services. However, if your foundation sustains damage from a covered incident like a plumbing failure, your policy might include assessment costs within the claim. Review your specific coverage details and maintain thorough documentation of any foundation issues to support potential claims for qualifying events.
Search for professionals with relevant structural engineering credentials or specialized foundation inspection experience. Verify their licensing status, insurance coverage, and client references before scheduling service. Ask detailed questions about their experience with your specific foundation type and what their inspection process entails. Obtaining multiple estimates allows you to compare both qualifications and pricing to select the most appropriate professional for your specific foundation concerns.