Inspector's check · Basement and crawlspace
Are foundation cracks thin and not growing?
Hairline vertical cracks in poured concrete are common. Look for cracks wider than 1/4 inch, horizontal cracks, stair-step cracks in block walls, or walls that bow inward.
Why it matters
Wide, horizontal or growing cracks can mean soil pressure or settlement that gets more expensive to fix the longer it goes.
If it's a problem
An inspector would write it up as “Foundation cracks to evaluate” and rate it keep an eye on. Your options, with rough U.S. costs:
- DIY (usually best), $0: Mark the ends of the crack with a pencil and date, and check every few months to see if it grows.
- Handyman, $100 to $400: Seal stable hairline cracks with an injection kit to stop seepage.
- Pro, $400 to $800: Structural engineer evaluates wide, horizontal or bowing walls.
Get this on your own house's plan
DwellTended builds a seasonal plan for your actual house, shows what needs you this week with rough costs, and reminds you before things are due. Free to start, no inspection report needed.