Inspection reporting reference library · powered by InspectorData.com
Home / Inspection Comments / Foundation Inspection Comments

Foundation Inspection Comments

Foundation and structural inspection comments — vertical cracks, step cracks, horizontal cracks, efflorescence, settlement, when monitoring vs. structural eval applies.

Sample Comments

Note Vertical Hairline Crack

Vertical hairline crack observed in the north foundation wall, less than 1/16 inch wide. Typical of normal concrete shrinkage. Recommend monitoring; no further action unless crack widens.

Concern Stair-Step Crack

Stair-step crack pattern observed in the east foundation wall. Crack width approximately 1/8 inch with no visible displacement. Recommend monitoring with crack monitors and re-evaluation in 12 months. If crack widens, recommend evaluation by a licensed structural engineer.

Major Horizontal Crack

Horizontal crack observed in the north foundation wall extending approximately 12 feet. Horizontal cracks may indicate lateral soil pressure from grade or hydrostatic load. Recommend evaluation by a licensed structural engineer.

Note Efflorescence

Efflorescence observed on the interior face of the foundation wall at the north corner of the basement. Indicates moisture migrating through the masonry. Recommend evaluation of exterior grading and downspout discharge to determine the moisture source.

Major Displaced Crack

Crack with visible displacement observed in the east foundation wall — the two sides of the crack are no longer in plane with each other. Recommend evaluation by a licensed structural engineer.

Note Floor Slab Cracking

Multiple shrinkage cracks observed in the basement floor slab. Typical of normal concrete curing. No action recommended unless cracks widen or displace.

Note Sloped Floor — Bedroom

Bedroom floor exhibits a slope of approximately 1 inch over 10 feet, measured at the north wall. Common in older homes and may indicate historical settlement. Recommend monitoring.

Concern Exterior Grade — Negative Slope

Soil at the north side of the foundation slopes toward the house rather than away. Negative grading directs water to the foundation. Recommend regrading to achieve positive slope away from foundation.

Looking for more? The full 8,000+ comment library is included in every InspectorData tenant.

Next Step

Want to turn this into a fully interactive inspection report?

Import your existing PDF into InspectorData. Keep your categories, your comments, your workflow.

90 days free · no credit card · $69/month after

LM

About the Author

Lisa Meine, Certified Master Inspector

12+ years of home inspection experience. Co-founded InspectorData to give working inspectors a modern reporting system that respects their existing templates and workflows. InterNACHI member.