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 Orlando, here’s what you need to know.
Common types of foundations in Orlando
In Orlando, houses are usually built on one of a few types of foundations:
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Slab foundation: A flat layer of concrete poured right onto the ground. This type is common in newer homes.
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Crawl space foundation: Raised off the ground, allowing access to pipes and wiring. Less common in Orlando but still found in some older homes.
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Pier and beam foundation: Uses beams and supporting piers to hold the home up, occasionally seen in vintage properties.
Each foundation type has its pros and cons, depending on Orlando’s soil conditions, drainage patterns, and weather.
What causes foundation problems?
There are several reasons why you might end up with foundation damage in your Orlando home:
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Water accumulation: Too much or too little moisture around the foundation can cause the soil to expand or shrink.
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Clay soil: Clay expands when wet and shrinks when dry, which puts pressure on your foundation.
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Plumbing leaks: Hidden plumbing problems can cause cracks that eventually lead to a serious leak in your foundation.
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Tree roots: Big trees can suck the moisture out of the soil and make it unstable.
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Floods or poor drainage: Water pooling around your home can lead to foundation issues.
Signs you may have foundation issues
Spotting foundation problems early can save you a lot of money. Here are some warning signs to watch for:
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Foundation cracks: Look for cracks in walls, floors, or ceilings—especially ones that widen over time.
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Sticking doors and windows: If they’re suddenly hard to open or close, it could mean your house is shifting.
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Warped siding: If the outside of your home appears uneven, it might be due to foundation problems.
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Sagging floors: A noticeable slope could point to structural instability. Try placing a marble on the floor—if it rolls on its own, your floor may not be level.
If you see any of these signs, it’s a good idea to have a professional check it out.
How to fix your foundation issues
Fixing a foundation isn’t usually a DIY project. You should start by calling a structural engineer to assess the situation. They’ll inspect cracks, water damage, and any shifts in your home’s structure, and evaluate the soil and load-bearing areas.
Once the inspection is done, you’ll get a better understanding of how serious the damage is and what type of foundation repair is needed.
Afterward, you can get quotes from contractors. According to Angi.com, the average cost of foundation repairs in Orlando is around $5,000, but more complex problems can cost much more.
Can you sell a house with foundation problems?
Selling a home with foundation problems is possible—you just need to know your options. You could:
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Fix the foundation before you sell: This may help you attract more buyers and get a better price, but it can also be expensive and time-consuming.
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Sell it “as is” with concessions: You can list your house on the traditional market and offer the buyer a credit toward repairs.
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Sell your house “as is” to a direct buyer: This is where a company like We Buy Ugly Houses® comes in. When you sell to a direct buyer like us, you don’t have to fix anything before selling.
If you’re planning on selling a home with foundation issues without making repairs, just know that you might not get top dollar—but you’ll avoid the stress, effort, and long timelines.
Sell your house “as is” with We Buy Ugly Houses®
If fixing your foundation sounds like more hassle than it’s worth, We Buy Ugly Houses® can help. We specialize in buying homes that need repairs—including ones with foundation problems.
With our 3-step selling process, we can take you from offer to closing quickly, sometimes in as little as 3 weeks. When you sell to us, you don’t have to make repairs, clean, or deal with open houses and real estate listings. We pay typical closing costs and don’t charge commissions or hidden fees.†
One of our local property specialists will visit your home for a free, no-pressure consultation. Sometimes, we can even make you an offer on the spot. We’ve bought over 150,000 homes, and we’re proud to have a 95%* customer satisfaction rating nationwide.
If you’re ready to sell your house and move on from foundation issues, contact We Buy Ugly Houses® in Orlando today. We can help you move forward quickly and easily.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
