Testimonials

I had a large issue in the driveway of my home. Multiple cracks. It sounded hollowed as you stomp on it in multiple areas. WHAT THEY DID:  They filled up the gaps inside. They repaired superficial cracks very well. They brought up the issue of how rain water could be coming under my driveway and causing more cracks in the future.

Just wanted to let you know that Josh and Nathan came today to take care of our driveway issues. They both did an excellent job in a very professional manner. We will definitely recommend A-1 Concrete Leveling to our friends here, should they have need of such services! Thanks again for your help and Deanne's help in resolving our driveway issues.

We needed part of our front sidewalk leveled, and also porch stairs. Rhett was on time for the estimate and thorougly explained what had to be done, and how it would be done. No rush, willing to answer any questions at all. They called and had an earlier opening than promised so we got it done even sooner than we had hoped. Everyone was very professional and knowledgeable.

I know I had a lot of questions and I appreciated your patience. Your crew did a great job! I walked/crawled around before they left and it was exactly as I expected. The contractors I’ve hired so far for various projects cut a lot of corners and I wouldn’t hire any of them again. I’m glad Luis recommended A1. I will recommend you to anyone looking for foundation work as well.

Tips For Spotting Foundation Problems When Buying A Home

image of house

Buying a home is an exciting moment in your life! However, when you’re making such a big decision, it’s important to find a place that suits your needs, budget, and is structurally sound. Foundation issues are one of the most important things to look out for. After all, it’s what’s holding up your entire home!

In today’s blog post from A-1 Concrete Leveling and Foundation Repair in Nashville, our foundation experts are sharing a few tips for spotting foundation issues when you’re looking to buy a home. If you notice any of these issues in your dream home, that doesn’t mean you need to discount it! It just means you may need foundation repair — and our concrete contractors are more than happy to help you out with everything from foundation cracks to leaky basements. Contact us today to get started.

Warning Signs 

While you’re touring homes, try not to get too distracted by the hardwood floors or double vanity and pay attention to foundation issues. This is especially true if you’re looking at any Nashville homes that are over a decade old or are in an area with clay soil. Clay soil is notorious for damaging foundations, and you should ask your real estate agent what type of soil the foundation is built upon and how the people who poured the foundation accounted for it.

Outside

As you walk around the house, be sure to look for:

  • Horizontal foundation cracks
  • Stair-step cracking in any exterior brickwork
  • A crooked chimney
  • Gaps above windows, doors, or around the garage door
  • Sunken porches or stairs

Inside

As you’re touring the home, be on the lookout for:

  • Drywall cracks
  • Misaligned windows or doors
  • Windows that are hard to open or close
  • Sloping floors
  • Cracked tiles
  • Separation between walls and ceiling
  • Moisture in the basement

What To Do If You See Warning Signs

Most buyers avoid a house that has foundation issues, but don’t immediately rule it out! Instead, have a foundation expert like those at A-1 Concrete Leveling and Foundation Repair in Nashville to inspect the house and provide you with more information about the extent of the damage and the possibilities for repair. While some foundation repairs may be minor, others can be extensive and expensive. But you’ll be able to make a better decision when you have more information!

After you know the extent of the damage, try the following:

  • Ask the seller if they’ve had any foundation repair work. They should disclose the foundation issues and the repair work that was done to fix them.
  • Research the potential costs of repair in order to help you determine a fair price for the property. A foundation company like A-1 Concrete Leveling and Foundation Repair in Nashville can help by providing a quote.
  • Find out if foundation issues will affect your mortgage. Sometimes, a house with foundation problems can only be purchased with a special type of mortgage that takes into account a foundation repair budget.

If you want to make an offer on the house, but want to avoid a potential nightmare of future foundation problems like foundation cracks, leaky basement, and more, then you can write in contingencies that protect you if things turn out differently than expected. A contingency will make your offer dependent on specific conditions, such as foundation repair. If this is a route you’re considering taking, be sure to discuss your options with your Nashville real estate agent.

You can also ask the seller to make the foundation repairs themselves before you put in an offer. However, it’s common for the seller to instead reduce the price of the house and sell it “as is.” If you don’t want to make the foundation repairs yourself, it may be time to tour another house. More so, if the seller is held responsible for the foundation repair, they may choose the cheapest concrete contractor rather than a reputable one like A-1 Concrete Leveling and Foundation Repair in Nashville. 

A-1 Concrete Leveling and Foundation Repair in Nashville

No matter what type of home you’re looking to buy, it’s important that it has a sound foundation! If the home you’ve fallen in love with has some foundation problems, it’s important that you call in a professional like A-1 Concrete Leveling and Foundation Repair in Nashville for an inspection and potential foundation repair. We provide free quotes, and we’ll let you know whether you need foundation repair and what your options are. Along with foundation repair, we also specialize in concrete pouring and concrete leveling. Contact us today for a free quote.

If you found this post to be useful, check out a few of our other foundation repair blog posts: