The foundation is the base of your home. Without it, you wouldn’t have a home at all! Because the foundation is paramount to the structure and safety of your home, you need to keep a close eye out for any foundation problems.
The trouble with foundation issues is that they can be expensive—like, tens of thousands of dollars, painfully expensive. For this reason, many homeowners delay foundation repair for as long as possible. If your home has foundation issues you’ve been putting off, you may wonder what can happen when you ignore foundation problems. While deferring repair might save you money short term, it can have devastating results in the long run. Here’s what happens if you put off calling a contractor for too long.
The Damage Will Get Worse
First, the damage gets worse over time. What was once a small split will balloon into a massive crack that threatens the stability of your home. A sinking home will only fall further, and leaks will become heavier and more prevalent.
Repair Will Get More Expensive
There are a lot of things that factor into foundation repair costs, and one of those is severity. The longer you wait to repair your home’s foundation, the worse the problem will get. This, in turn, means you’ll have to shell out more for a permanent remedy.
Your Safety Will Be at Risk
A damaged foundation can put your family’s safety at risk. Foundation problems could mess with your home’s electrical wiring, increasing the possibility of receiving shocks. On top of that, a cracked foundation will invite water into your home. You can try to keep water at bay, but it may find its way inside anyway. A high presence of moisture in your home can promote mold growth, which leads to respiratory problems and could make you feel sick.
Your Home May Experience Pest Invasions
Another thing that can happen if you ignore foundation problems is a pest invasion. When a foundation is cracked or broken in some way, insects and other pests can freely enter your home. Termites, carpenter ants, mice, and more will happily settle in your damp, dark basement, and may even decide to move up to the main floor.
In the end, ignoring your home’s foundation woes will only hurt you. It’s best to have any foundation concerns addressed immediately so you can save money and protect your health and home.