Selling A House In Phoenix With A Shifting Foundation
Symptoms of foundation issues in Arizona
Foundation problems in Arizona are fairly common, mainly due to soil composition. Signs that your foundation is sinking or experiencing problems are:
- Drywall cracks
- Sloping floors
- Leaning chimney
- Doors and windows that are difficult to open and close
- Cracks in the ceiling
- Gaps in trim or molding
- Uneven or sagging roof
- Puddles or erosion close to the foundation
- Water seepage and cracks in basement or crawl space
- Plumbing leaks
If you notice any of these symptoms of foundation issues in your house, it’s important to seek the advice and help of a Phoenix foundation expert or structural engineer and have them do a house inspection. Be especially careful that you hire someone who is trustworthy when it comes to fixing a potential problem that the expert discovers.
The assessment will make clear what the problem is and what steps are necessary to fix it. Even though you might not want to think about it, it’s important to address any foundation problems as soon as you see possible signs of trouble. Neglecting to do so may result in progressively more extensive and expensive damage over time.
Causes of foundation shifting in Phoenix
Tree roots can cause foundation havoc. There are several problematic trees in Arizona. The Sissoo tree, an import from India, is especially troublesome. Its roots are incredibly strong and can easily displace concrete supports in your foundation.
According to The Arizona Report regarding the Sissoo tree, “The serpentine root system can run for 40 feet or more from the base of the tree and wrist-sized roots can break through just at the surface over the distance.... It is popular with residential developers and builders here in the Grand Canyon state because it grows quickly, reliably and provides thick shade from the sun in a few short years. Sissoo has also been planted in city parks in both Phoenix and Glendale.” Sissoo trees are almost impossible to destroy, with roots popping up far from the tree trunk.
The Chinese Elm is another troublesome tree if planted near a house. Its roots can spread very far in its search for water, damaging foundations, structures, and sidewalks.
Phoenix soil is composed of a lot of clay, which expands and contracts depending on weather and water conditions, causing foundation issues. Known as expansive soil, shrink-swelling soil, swelling soil, adobe, or caliche, it expands when there is a lot of water and contracts when dry, putting continually changing pressure on your foundation, resulting in shifting and cracking.
Improper grading also contributes to foundation problems. Although Phoenix is known for being dry, the monsoons bring torrential downpours, and if water runs toward your house due to bad grading, meaning the land wasn’t leveled properly, it can weaken and gradually shift foundations.
Cost of repairing shifting foundations in Phoenix
According to HomeAdvisor’s foundation repair calculator, in Phoenix, Arizona, the average foundation repair cost is $4,562 with a typical range of $2,128–$7,112. The low end is $1,000 and the high end is around $22,000. Unfortunately, homeowner’s insurance typically doesn’t pay for foundation repairs. If you get your foundation fixed, be sure to save your receipts to show a potential buyer if you sell your house.
When selling a house in Arizona, a Statement of Disclosure is required. According to Houzeo, “The Arizona Association of Realtors uses a Residential Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS) to help sellers comply with the transaction requirements. The standard form is basically a checklist of the property's condition and all its features that could affect the buyer's decision in purchasing the house.”
Selling a house with foundation issues?
In most cases, a mortgage lender won’t finance a Phoenix house that has foundation problems because it isn’t a good investment for them. Selling a house with foundation issues can be difficult, but fortunately, you can sell your house to We Buy Ugly Houses® without fixing the foundation or repairing anything else because we buy houses “as is.”
We Buy Ugly Houses is America's trusted home buyer, in business since 1996 with a 95%* customer satisfaction rating nationwide and fantastic reviews. The advantages of selling to us are numerous:
- We charge no commissions and have no hidden fees.
- We pay typical closing costs.
- There’s no need for a house inspection, because we assess your house during our visit.
- We specialize in fast closings.
- There are no invasive home showings when you sell to us.
- Since you sell directly to us, you don’t need to stage your house or have photographs taken.
- When you sell to us, you’ll have a simple, stress-free sale.
Simply contact us for a no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly Phoenix property buyers. We’ll meet at your house, answer your questions, and take a tour. Sometimes, we can give you an offer on the spot! You may not get top dollar for your house when you sell to us, but we provide a fast and convenient sale. If you accept our offer, we can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks, or later if you need the time.
If you want to sell your house with foundation problems, we’d love to help! Contact us to learn more.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
