When should a Contractor or Homeowner Seek a Professional Foundation Inspection for a New Property?

While all new buildings undergo a period of natural settling within the first few years as soil compresses, you should be concerned enough to seek a professional foundation inspection if you observe signs of differential settlement. Unlike uniform settling, differential movement can threaten the structural integrity of a new property.

We recommend contacting a professional immediately if you notice any of the following red flags:

• Significant Cracking: Any cracks in foundation walls, floors, or drywall that exceed 1/8 inch in width. You should be particularly concerned by vertical, diagonal, or stair-step cracks, as well as cracks that widen or expand over time.
• Functional Distortion: Doors and windows that suddenly stick, fail to latch, or no longer close smoothly, indicating that the frames have become misaligned due to structural shifting.
• Visible Gaps: New gaps forming around exterior door or window frames, or instances where the brick veneer and siding are separating from the structure.
• Floor and Wall Issues: Noticeably sloping or uneven floors, bulging or leaning walls, or trim and molding that is separating from the ceiling or wall.

For homes built within the last five years, these indicators often suggest that the underlying soils have not reached equilibrium or that there is inadequate footing support. Only a licensed structural engineer can accurately differentiate between harmless cosmetic shrinkage and developing structural risks.

If an inspection confirms that stabilization is required, we offer a range of ICC- and ISO-certified foundation repair solutions, including helical pier systems and push piers. We also provide Engineering Excellence and Design Support to ensure repairs comply with all applicable building codes and ICC-ES acceptance criteria.

Consult a structural engineer or the manufacturer’s engineering team for project-specific design and installation guidance. Products are certified to ICC/ISO where indicated—installations must comply with applicable building codes and ICC-ES acceptance criteria (AC358).

• Signs of Foundation Settlement in New Construction