Inspection Insight pics: Foundations

Foundations aren't just something your house stands on—they're what everything else depends on. At Arrow Home Inspections, we go straight to the point by evaluating your home’s foundation, substructure, and below-grade moisture risks to help you avoid costly surprises down the road.

We check for cracks, shifting, water stains, bowing walls, rotted posts, and signs of pests or decay. We also assess exterior grading, downspout placement, and sump pump functionality to spot where moisture might be making its way in. Whether it’s a historic fieldstone basement or a newer poured concrete slab, your foundation tells a story—and we help you read it clearly.

• Cracked or bowing foundation walls, often from soil pressure or water intrusion
   
• Efflorescence (white powder) on basement walls—cosmetic, but a moisture red flag
   
• Rusty or decaying Lally columns and wood posts compromising support
   
• Water staining or musty odors in basements or crawlspaces
   
• Negative grading or short downspouts directing water toward the foundation
   
• Non-functioning or poorly placed sump pumps, common in finished basements
   
• Evidence of wood-destroying insects (WDIs) near sill plates or subfloor framing
   
• Cracks in slabs or block joints, which may signal settling or hydrostatic pressure
   

👉 Explore our foundation + basement gallery to see what our inspectors look for and why it matters. At Arrow, we get straight to the point—starting from the ground up.