Foundation Problems? Here’s What to Do If You’re Worried About Your Home’s Foundation

Foundation Problems? Here's What to Do If You're Worried About Your Home's FoundationLike in a relationship, the foundation of a house is integral, and must be strong. There are many reasons why a house’s foundation might crack or shift including temperature variances in the soil surrounding it, since earth expands in heat and contracts in cold. But whatever the reason, there are certain steps to follow when addressing concerns about your house’s foundation.

Prevent The Problem, If Possible

First, whenever possible act to prevent problems before they arise. Make it a habit to check for foundational stress by taking a walk through your basement and around the outside of your home. Signs of a problem include cracks in the foundation itself (particularly horizontal ones larger than a hairline), uneven or sloping floors, doors or windows that won’t open or close properly anymore, and water damage (puddles or moisture in the wood) that signals improper drainage.

Confirm The Problem, If There’s Time

If you find a crack that has you worried, but isn’t an insurmountable gap, take the time to coat it with concrete waterproofing paint. Then keep an eye on it. If the crack reappears after the paint has dried, it means the gap that produced the crack is growing and should be addressed. If you suspect water drainage problems, try shutting down all water-using appliances in your home. Then watch the water meter for 6 to 12 hours. If the levels change in that time, your water is finding another way out of the house. Finally, if you suspect a sloping floor, rest a tennis ball on it and look for rolling.

Fix The Problem, If It’s Small

Sometimes DIY methods can be used to address small issues, like little cracks (ones not in the foundation itself, but in walls or floors). Fill them with a vinyl concrete patch, or a similar product. Be sure the material you use is flexible and can move a little, because the concrete will it slightly expands and contracts to keep stable.

Call For Reinforcements!

That said, the absolute best method of dealing with foundation problems is to call in reinforcements, because even successful DIY fixes are temporary. And because, even though it will cost a little more, the money is worth it to prevent your house from collapsing! Reach out to a foundational specialist or a structural engineer if there are any signs that have you worried about a shifting or crumbling foundation.

If you have more in-depth questions, or want advice on a foundational specialist, give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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17117 W Dale Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$1,800,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,659 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6648276
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Country living in the city. Beautifully maintained home on 2.73 acres. Additional parcels included in this sale total 7.3 acres. Open floor plan, extra large 3 car garage. Entertain from beautiful bar onto back patio with an observation deck for outstanding views. 9 horse mare motel, large stuccoed conex building work shop and tack room. Complete 300x160 approx arena is negotiable in sale. RV hook ups

8023 E Cholla Street Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$1,800,000
6 Beds
4 Baths
4,066 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6673338
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Two birds with one stone is possible...as this is two homes on over an acre. What an incredibly rare opportunity in Scottsdale. With two homes on an acre this provides maybe a few generations together OR multiple income streams at one address. The main house is over 2300 sq ft and the manufactured house is over 1500 sq ft and just underwent a dramatic remodel. The remodel included new flooring, completely new kitchen and baths as well as paint and more. These places book end a huge backyard and sparkling diving pool. Both places have ample parking with a 2 car garage, 2 car carport and a circle drive. No HOA restrictions here but you do live right across from Starfire Golf Course (So you have that going for you, which is nice!) And you have an abundance of options with the entire acre.

6801 E Presidio Road Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$1,800,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,170 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6776934
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Remodeled,1/2 Acre+ corner lot property w/Detached Guest House! The main home features 10' ceilings in the primary living area, Wood flooring throughout, 3 spacious bedrooms - especially the master/bath/closet - plus an office. Kitchen features quartz countertops, SS appliances, breakfast bar, Coffee station & plenty of storage space. The 1BR/1Bath casita has separate private parking, power gate access w/ covered patios. Other additions include Extra large/wide 2 car garage w/cabinets, large carport fitting 4 or more cars, Smart fireplace, & OWNED SOLAR! Backyard features a resort style pool & ramada with built in misters & Lush greenery. Located in the magic zip code 85254, close to many A+ Schools, shops and restaurants. Don't miss out on this one of a kind property!

31010 N 117th Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$1,800,000 - 4Br/4Ba -  for Sale in Blackstone At Vistancia Parcel B9, Peoria
Open House
$1,800,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,836 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759894
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Enjoy resort living on the golf course in the prestigious gated community of Blackstone Country Club. This spotless 4 BDRM 3.5 BATH exceptional contemporary style home is ready to be your new home. W/ 3836 sq ft, a soaring 17' ceiling in main living space & packed w/ top of the line extras ranging from air conditioned 4 car split garages to a 500 bottle wine celler, to a $50,000 Control 4 system. W/ endless designer features this is a one of a kind luxury home. The gourmet kitchen includes Wolf/Subzero appliances, quartz countertops, huge island & an abundance of cabinets. Light & bright w/ tile t/o. Low maintenace yards, gas fireplace in courtyard, extended patio & tons of travertine plus a relaxing golf course view to enjoy the beautiful AZ sunsets. SEE DOC TAB FOR LIST OF UPGRADES.

9674 E Vantage Point Road Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$1,800,000 - 4Br/5Ba -  for Sale in Sierra Norte, Scottsdale
Open House
$1,800,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,291 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6778823
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Spectacular elevated lot with breathtaking mountain views and total privacy! Step into your own private oasis through a charming paver courtyard with a fountain and exquisite, custom iron doors. The well-appointed kitchen features granite countertops, a spacious center island, a 6-burner gas cooktop, double oven, microwave and built-in refrigerator. Enjoy the spa-like feel of the fabulous owner's suite with a jacuzzi tub, large walk-in shower and his/her closets. The open concept plan with soaring ceilings and expansive windows creates a seamless connection to the magnificent resort like backyard and surrounding desert landscape. This recently updated, luxury home is the perfect blend of contemporary elegance and a sophisticated southwest charm.

12001 N Miller Road Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$1,799,999
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,566 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747530
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fantastic Opportunity in Sundown Gardens! This is truly the Swiss Army Knife of properties. Ready out of the box for a family, Add on to your liking or Build your dream compound! This acre sized lot has a 4 bed 2 bath updated block home with durable saltillo tile throughout. The interior was updated in 2017 with new interior doors, new Milgard aluminum windows and an eat in kitchen. There's a wood burning fireplace in the familyroom and the 5th bonus room can double as a bedroom, office or play room. Large covered front & back patios, roof was done in 2023 plus a new 200 AMP, solar ready electric panel! The back half of the property has a super cool playhouse w/AC and TV and a cozy studio/casita with AC, TV and a Kitchen as (Featured in Scottsdale Lifestyle Mag) Plus (2) Full RV hook-ups! What the sellers love about the property, in their own words; What I love about this sturdy block home... I love the beautiful palm trees around the beautiful blue pool. I love all the birds and bunnies that are always around. I love the cozy she shed. I love the brown Saltillo tile that is all throughout the house. I love the beautiful tiled shower walls in the bathrooms. I love the bonus room, it can be used for so many things. I love the size of the property, it feels much bigger then an acre. I love that the property is located near so many great restaurants, shopping and attractions like Trader Joe's, Natural Grocers, WM Phoenix Open, Barrett Jackson and the Polo Championships at West World!

6275 E Jacob Waltz Street Apache Junction, AZ 85119

$1,799,999
2 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,480 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6758332
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning property is nestled at the base of the Superstition Mountains offering breathtaking 360-degree views on the former site of Theodore DeGrazia's art studio. The home features 3480 sq ft on a 54,450 square foot lot, every room was designed for the homeowner to enjoy the views. Quality craftsmanship and custom details make this home a piece of art in the desert. Enter the main home though the custom Bella Grande iron doors into the main living space, marvel at the Superstition Mountains from your living room wall of windows that capture the stunning views and bring the outdoors in. Enjoy the gas or wood burning fireplace, large dining space and gourmet kitchen featuring custom milled solid Alder wood cabinets, Viking stainless appliances, Black Galaxy granite counters, oversized kitchen island with seating for 6, custom wine rack , tons of counter and cabinet space and a large walk-in pantry. The first-floor primary suite is spacious with views of the Superstition Mountains and a private exit to a sitting deck to enjoy the city light views. The en-suite features a tub/shower encased in beautiful Desert Sunrise granite. Make your way upstairs to the second-floor that features a spacious loft, balcony and a 2nd primary suite that has both views of the Superstition Mountains and City light views. This primary features a large walk-in closet, sitting room, private balcony and 2-way fireplace. The en-suite features 2 vanities, a large jacuzzi tub, custom walk in-shower with Mongolian Spring tumbled slate stone on the walls and floors. The property includes a generously sized, temperature-controlled(2 mini splits) detached three-car garage complete with a full kitchen(featuring cabinets and counters from the former DeGrazia Art Studio), full bathroom, walk-in closet and laundry. This could easily be made into a guest home. Tesla charging station. Some of the custom features of this home include, authentic handmade Saltillo tile throughout the home. Underground air returns for extra thermal efficiency. Solid wrought iron banisters and hand rails. Top of the line Pella windows, low emissivity, and dual pane. The primary suite's doors come from a Mission for authentic mission doors. A bridge built for Theodore DeGrazia's original estate, connecting the studio to his gallery, and some of his original fencing adorns the front of the property. The home is equipped with a full house fire suppression sprinkler system, the underground air returns also cool the built-in wine rack, and a fully wired home security system. Additional features include a central vacuum system, sound system including a subwoofer in the loft wall and Klipsch high end speakers in every room, a water softener system , reverse osmosis. Both fireplaces are propane-powered with the capability to burn wood. A 250-gallon buried propane tank serves the fireplaces, pool, spa, and cooktops. The residence also showcases 8 ft doors. Wired for Starlink satellite, dish, cable, and internet. Additionally, there's a smaller storage building located to the south of the main home with ceiling fan and existing power outlets for thermal control, etc. Come see this amazing property and all it has to offer.

3511 E Coolidge Street Phoenix, AZ 85018

$1,799,999
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,355 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6770742
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautiful remodeled/rebuilt estate will be number 1 on your list, Open floor plan will leave you speechless while you make it to the oversized Master Suite & then on to your spacious en suite-the icing on the cake, his & hers separate closets & a shower that could fit 6. From the moment of entering thru your circle drive to the oversized amazing kitchen & onto the breathless backyard that you wont want to leave. Enjoying the covered sitting areas with natural gas fire table (front patio) & oversized cov'd patio in the backyard w/ natural gas fire stones on top of dual salt water falls & a natural gas bbq over looking your putting green will be where you want to spend most of your time. Orange, Grapefruit & lemon trees in your backyard retreat, Year round trim lights in the front!

3225 W Blue Eagle Lane Phoenix, AZ 85086

$1,799,999
4 Beds
4 Baths
4,164 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784863
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Own the top of the world, the view will BLOW YOUR MIND 360 degree views and totally PRIVATE. With 350k in updates this home is MOVE IN READY. (keep reading at the end there is a surprise) Step into your new home with confidence of peace, luxury, and comfort. Come into the first floor, this kitchen has new appliances, pantry, and of course stunning views, the living room will give you the WOW factor with ceilings soaring into the next level! Jump in the elevator to the master suite upstairs. This master bed has its own fireplace and lots of extra room for a seating area. (lets not forget the views from the garden tub) This home will amaze everyone who enters with its architecture. Plenty of room with 4 beds and 4 baths. An office/bedroom steps right out to the ''always ready to use pool'' the best part is the pool, hot tub, and outdoor grilling area, entertaining has gone to the next level with this home! This home also has a secret....an UNDERGROUND BUNKER...a preppers DREAM!

29615 N 55th Place Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$1,799,999
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,943 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6757984
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Unbelievably Motivated Sellers - Priced to Sell! Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to own a breathtaking single-story, 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home, meticulously upgraded with over $28,000 in custom features. The sellers are already moving on to their next chapter, so this gem is priced to move quickly! From the moment you arrive, you'll be captivated by the fresh, elegant look of the newly painted exterior and stucco finish. Inside, rich coffee-stained French oak wide-plank flooring flows seamlessly throughout the main areas, while plush carpeting adds a touch of luxury in the bedrooms. Six-inch baseboards, custom wood shutters, and a sleek rectangular fireplace bring sophistication to every corner of this home. The open dining area, with chic bar seating, leads to a gourmet kitchen crafted for the modern chef. This kitchen showcases a 6-burner gas cooktop, a stunning waterfall-edge island, under-cabinet lighting, and double-sided storageideal for hosting gatherings with ease and style. Step outside into a designer backyard oasis, upgraded with over $10,000 in enhancements. Featuring lush landscaping, turf, and grey limestone framing a contemporary pool with three tranquil waterfalls, this outdoor space is perfect for relaxation or entertaining under the stars. With motivated sellers and a competitive price, this luxurious property won't be available for long. Act fast to make this dream home yours!

N Bell Road Unit 4 Queen Creek, AZ 85144

$1,799,900
5 Beds
4 Baths
3,712 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6345746
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand new single level home with approx 3,712 sq ft, on 2+ acre lot with NO HOA! 5 Bedrooms and 4 baths. Plenty of time for Buyer to make selections for cabinets, paint, flooring, granite, etc. Standard features include granite throughout, tile surrounds covered patio, tile roof, and 4-car attached garage, plus a 1600 sq ft double-car RV garage... Much more! Estimated completion time is 9-10 months from ground-breaking. Drive by only. Ground has not been broken as of Nov 2024. Photos are of a recently completed version of this plan.

21743 S 140th Street Chandler, AZ 85286

$1,799,900
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,081 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759514
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous custom home, w/ BASEMENT on nearly 2 acres! Discover the epitome of luxury living in this breathtaking 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home nestled on a rare 2-acre lot in Chandler. Custom features throughout include coffered ceilings, custom tile, snail shower, jetted tub, upgraded carpet, tile, stamped & stained concrete floors. Gourmet kitchen with hickory cabinets and large island. Modern kitchen with high-end appliances and plenty of counter space. Open-concept living areas filled with natural light and designed for comfort.This property boasts a perfect blend of sophistication, comfort, and outdoor entertainment, making it an ideal sanctuary for families and entertainers alike. Key Features: 5 spacious bedrooms designed for relaxation and privacy. 3.5 elegantly appointed bathrooms featuring modern finishes. A finished basement offering additional living space, perfect for a home theater, gym, or play area. Bonus Rooms: Two versatile bonus rooms that can be tailored to suit your needsideal for an office, craft room, or guest accommodations. Outdoor Oasis: Dive into your own private paradise with a stunning swimming pool complete with a grotto and waterslideperfect for family fun and entertaining guests. The expansive 2-acre lot provides ample space for outdoor activities, gardening, or future expansion. Detached Garage: An extra detached garage offers additional storage or workspace, ideal for car enthusiasts or hobbyists. Additional Highlights: . Beautiful landscaping that enhances the property's curb appeal. Oversized 3 car garage with custom cabinetry and epoxy floor. Detached 24'x30' shop with 8' rolltop door and 220 amp panel. Custom saltwater pool with rock grotto and waterfall, slide, and in-floor cleaning system. 2 separate pastures for the horses and plenty of room for all the toys. Custom built 40'x50' Barn, with 20' ceilings, and built in loft. Perfect for additional living, storage, or entertaining space. NO HOA! Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to own a piece of paradise in Chandler! Contact us today to schedule a private tour.