Foundation Inspections
Foundation Inspection Services | Reliable, Thorough & Local
A strong foundation is one of the most important elements of a safe and durable home. Proximity Home Inspection provides professional foundation inspection services throughout the Bay Area and surrounding communities, helping buyers, sellers, and homeowners understand structural conditions before moving forward.
Foundation inspections are often included in a full home inspection, but they can also be requested as a stand-alone service when extra attention is needed.
What Is a Foundation Inspection?
A foundation inspection is a detailed visual assessment of the visible and accessible portions of a home’s foundation system. Our trained inspector evaluates conditions that may indicate movement, stress, or moisture concerns, including:
- Visible cracks in the foundation walls or floor
- Uneven or sloping floors
- Separation between walls, floors, and ceilings
- Signs of water intrusion or dampness
- Exterior settlement or soil grading issues
- Evidence of differential movement (settling)
These observations help identify potential structural issues that may require further evaluation by a qualified structural engineer or specialist.
Learn more about our comprehensive home inspection services.
Why Foundation Inspections Matter
Foundation problems can lead to more extensive damage when left unaddressed. Early detection empowers you to plan appropriately and negotiate with confidence.
A foundation inspection helps:
- Detect early signs of movement or settling
- Identify moisture penetration or poor drainage
- Reduce risk of costly repairs later
- Provide clarity for real estate negotiations
- Support long-term maintenance planning
By identifying visible concerns early, you gain peace of mind and can make informed decisions about your property.
What’s Included in a Foundation Inspection
When you schedule a foundation inspection with Proximity Home Inspection, you receive:
- A thorough visual assessment of accessible foundation areas
- Documentation of visible cracking or movement indicators
- Site grading and drainage observations
- Comments on interior floor level and wall alignment
- High-quality photos in your final report
- Easy-to-read explanations of findings and next steps
All findings are included in your detailed inspection report, delivered on-site the same day whenever possible.
Foundation Inspection vs. Structural Engineering Evaluation
A foundation inspection performed by Proximity Home Inspection is a visual assessment and not a structural engineering evaluation. We document what is visible and accessible at the time of inspection. If significant concerns are identified, we may recommend further evaluation by a licensed structural engineer or specialist who can perform advanced testing or analysis.
When Should You Get a Foundation Inspection?
Many situations benefit from a foundation inspection:
- Purchasing a home, especially older or hillside properties
- Before listing a home to address issues proactively
- After seismic activity, heavy storms, or soil saturation
- If you notice interior cracks, sticking doors/windows, or uneven floors
- For periodic maintenance in aging homes
You can also schedule a foundation inspection as a stand-alone service or as part of a full home inspection.
FAQs – Foundation Inspections
What does a foundation inspection cover?
A foundation inspection identifies visible signs of stress, cracks, movement, and moisture concerns in the foundation and related structural elements.
Is a foundation inspection included in a full home inspection?
Yes. Foundation observations are part of our comprehensive home inspections. However, you may request a stand-alone foundation inspection if you want extra focus on foundation conditions.
Will this inspection guarantee no future foundation problems?
No. A foundation inspection provides a snapshot of conditions at the time of inspection based on visible and accessible areas. It does not guarantee future performance or replace a structural engineer’s evaluation if needed.
Visit our home inspection FAQs for more answers about inspection scope.