Fixing it Now is Easier than Later

Many homeowners begin to notice the signs of foundation settlement--cracks forming in the brick exterior, concrete foundations, and sticking windows and doors, yet do not think it is really that bad. They decide to wait until later to fix the problem, thinking it will improve or just go away.

The Problem Won't Just Go Away

Despite what you may want to believe, the problem will not just go away on its own. Concrete will not fix itself and foundations will not just magically unsettle. If anything, the cracks will only grow and the foundation will settle more. The larger the cracks grow and the deeper the foundation settles, the more work it will take to repair and the more money it will cost. 

The saying, "Time is money" can be applied to this situation. The longer you wait, the more money you will end up paying in the end.

Furthermore, the time will come when you need to sell your house. A house with foundation issues is less likely to sell than a house without foundation issues. Many buyers will see the damaged foundation and move on. Even if you decide to fix the foundation right before selling your house, why wait until you are about to move out to enjoy the benefits of your foundation repairs?

Water Intrusion

Remember that the longer you wait to fix the foundation, the worse the problem may get. Cracks in the foundation can often lead to water intrusion in the crawlspace or basement. This water intrusion can lead to mold or rot and can create problems all their own. Now, not only do you still have to repair the foundation crack, but you also have to remove the mold.

Living with mold can also be dangerous for your health. Air from your crawlspace and basement travels to the upper levels of your home, so even if you never enter your crawlspace or basement, it can still create an unhealthy situation for you and your family to live in.

Pest Intrusion

Not only can the crack allow water entry, but it can also allow insects, rodents, and other undesirables into your house. Rodents and insects often carry harmful diseases that can infect you and your family. Besides, even if they do not infect you with any disease, they are still a nuisance to have live in your home. Now you have to repair the foundation crack, remedy the moisture intrusion problem, and keep the pests out. The bill to fix this foundation issue just continues to grow the longer you wait.

The initial problem did not go away, but letting it go unrepaired continues to lead to other problems that will also have to be remedied.

Aesthetic Appeal

While the aesthetic appeal of your house may not present a safety hazard, you still want to live in a home that looks nice. After all, you paid a lot of money for your house, so why not take a little pride in it and ensure it looks beautiful. Additionally, when the time comes that you sell your house, the future buyer will want a house that looks beautiful. Ugly cracks in the exterior of the house can deter potential buyers or lower your property value. The buyer will pay a lot of money for this house, so they too want it to look nice.

There are few benefits to waiting to fix your foundation problem, but there are many downsides to waiting. Foundation cracks and settling can lead to health problems, safety concerns, undesirable pests, and more. So, do not procrastinate the inevitable. Eventually, you will have to repair the foundation and when you do, it will end up being more expensive than if you fix it when you first notice it. Don't wait!