Selling a house with foundation issues in Denver: what you need to know

Posted on June 24, 2025

When it comes to your home, the foundation is a big deal. It’s what holds everything up and keeps your house standing strong. When problems start at the foundation, they can ripple through the whole structure—bringing costly repairs with them. If you’re thinking about selling a house with foundation issues in Denver, here’s what you need to know.

Common types of foundations in Denver

In Denver, houses are usually built on one of a few types of foundations:

  • Slab foundation: A flat layer of concrete poured right onto the ground. This type is common in newer homes and can work well in areas with stable soil.

  • Crawl space foundation: Raised off the ground, allowing easy access to plumbing and wiring. This type is helpful for ventilation but can be vulnerable to moisture problems.

  • Basement foundation: Popular in Denver due to the added living and storage space. However, basements here are prone to water intrusion, especially in older homes.

  • Pier and beam foundation: Found in some older or historic homes. This type uses beams supported by piers and can be easier to repair than slab foundations.

Each foundation type has its pros and cons depending on the soil conditions, the local climate, and the age of the home.

foundation issues in denver homes

What causes foundation problems?

There are a lot of reasons why you might end up with foundation damage in Denver:

  • Expansive clay soil: Denver’s soil contains clay, which expands when wet and contracts when dry. This movement can stress your foundation.

  • Drought or excess moisture: Prolonged dry periods followed by heavy rain or snowmelt can cause shifting soil around your home.

  • Plumbing leaks: Hidden leaks under the slab or in the basement can lead to erosion and cracks.

  • Poor drainage: Water that pools around the home due to poor grading or clogged gutters can weaken your foundation.

  • Tree roots: Large trees close to the house may remove moisture from the soil, increasing instability.

Signs you may have foundation issues

Spotting foundation damage early can save you a lot of money. Here are some warning signs to watch for:

  • Cracks: Look for cracks in the walls, floors, or ceilings—especially near windows and doors.

  • Water in the basement: Moisture, mildew, or standing water in the basement could signal a problem.

  • Sticky doors and windows: If doors or windows that used to open easily now stick, your home may be shifting.

  • Uneven floors: Sloping or sagging floors can mean the foundation is settling unevenly. Use a marble or ball test to check.

  • Warped or bulging exterior walls: This can indicate pressure from shifting soil or structural stress.

If you see any of these signs, it’s smart to call a professional for an inspection.

How to fix your foundation issues

Foundation repair is rarely a DIY project. Start by contacting a structural engineer to evaluate your home. They’ll look at the damage, test the soil, and recommend a solution.

After the assessment, you can get quotes from licensed contractors. According to Angi.com, the average cost of foundation repairs in Denver is around $5,000, but more complex issues can cost much more.

Can you sell a house with foundation problems?

Selling a house with foundation issues in Denver is definitely possible. Here are your options:

  • Fix the foundation before selling: This can make the home more appealing and raise your sale price—but it takes time and money.

  • Sell “as is” with buyer concessions: You can sell through the traditional market, but expect to lower the price or offer repair credits.

  • Sell “as is” to a direct buyer: Companies like We Buy Ugly Houses® buy homes in any condition. That means no repairs, no listings, and no waiting.

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of repairs, a direct sale might be your best move. You won’t get top dollar, but you can skip weeks—or months—of stress and costs.

Sell your house “as is” with We Buy Ugly Houses®

If fixing your foundation sounds like more trouble than it’s worth, We Buy Ugly Houses® in Denver can help. We specialize in buying homes that need repairs—including ones with serious foundation issues.

With our 3-step home-buying process, we can take you from offer to closing fast, sometimes in as little as 3 weeks. There’s no need to make repairs, clean, or deal with open houses. We cover typical closing costs and never charge commissions or hidden fees.

One of our local property specialists in Denver will visit your house for a free, no-obligation consultation. Sometimes we can even make you an offer on the spot.

We’ve bought over 150,000 homes and earned a 95%* satisfaction rating nationwide.

If you’re ready to move on from foundation issues and sell your Denver home fast, contact We Buy Ugly Houses® today.

This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.