When your Texas business is ready to move into a new commercial space, you understand the importance of ensuring there are no problems with the quality of the building. Issues with a building can cost you significant time and money, and you want to avoid these types of problems whenever possible. This is especially true when there are problems with the foundation of the home.
Foundation problems can be extremely expensive to fix. Thankfully, there are certain signs to look for when inspecting a building or looking at a space as a potential office or business space. Knowing what to look for before you move forward or sign on the dotted line will allow you to avoid problems that could be financially devastating for your Texas business down the road.
Signs of a foundation problem
Laying the foundation is one of the most important initial steps in a construction project. It is crucial to lay the foundation in the right way, with the right materials and on the right type of soil. Shoddy construction, poor soil quality and faulty site development can cause the foundation to shift or erode over time, which can compromise the entire building. Essentially, the foundation has to be solid or the rest of the project is faulty. Signs of a potential foundation problem include:
- Cracks on the exterior walls — This can include things like stair step cracks along bricks or windows separating from the exterior wall of the building. This often happens in places with expansive soils.
- Cracks on interior walls — Vertical cracks in drywall may indicate that there has been some shifting in the foundation. This may happen when there is uneven settling.
- Warped floors — When floors are uneven or warped, it may indicate that there are underlying problems with the foundation. Rolling a ball on the floor may indicate the foundation is uneven.
If there is a problem with the foundation, it may be the result of mistakes made during the construction stage. It may also indicate the placing of the building on expansive soils.
What should you do next?
Before you buy commercial property, you would be wise to have a careful inspection done in order to ensure that you are not purchasing a building that is poorly constructed or built on bad soil. If you already own the building, you may be the victim of construction defects or a dishonest seller. You may want to discuss your concerns with an experienced attorney regarding the legal options that may be available to you.
