Foundation Inspection Greater Philadelphia Region
A thorough foundation evaluation is included in every All Seasons home inspection. Bob personally inspects foundation walls, crawlspaces, basement conditions, signs of settlement, moisture intrusion, and drainage: the elements most likely to turn into expensive problems after closing. InterNACHI-certified, owner-operated, 20+ years inspecting Greater Philadelphia homes. Serving Montgomery, Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester & Delaware Counties. Starting from $325. Call 610-348-6728.
Inspections typically scheduled within the week. Bob returns every call and books your date within 24 hours.
What's Covered
What does a foundation inspection include?
Bob evaluates every accessible foundation component on every inspection, not just a visual pass, but a systematic assessment of structural integrity, moisture conditions, and drainage that determines long-term stability.
Foundation Walls
Poured concrete, concrete block, and stone foundations are all common in Greater Philadelphia. Bob inspects for cracks (horizontal, vertical, and diagonal, and each tells a different story), lateral movement, efflorescence, spalling, and signs of prior repair.
Crawlspace Conditions
Crawlspaces trap moisture, harbor mold, and hide structural problems. Bob enters and evaluates vapor barriers, insulation, wood framing condition, piers, and any signs of water intrusion or pest damage.
Settlement & Movement
Uneven floors, sticking doors, and diagonal cracks at window corners are often signs of differential settlement. Bob identifies these patterns and explains what they likely mean, and whether they warrant further evaluation by a structural engineer.
Moisture & Water Intrusion
Water is the primary enemy of foundations. Bob looks for active leaks, staining patterns, efflorescence (mineral deposits from water migration), and conditions that allow water to penetrate, including sump pump condition and discharge location.
Grading & Drainage
The grade around the home should slope away from the foundation. Flat or negative grading directs rainwater toward the structure. Bob evaluates grading, downspout discharge points, and surface drainage conditions.
Structural Framing
The sill plate, rim joists, and floor framing that rest on the foundation are inspected for rot, insect damage, and inadequate support: problems common in older homes throughout Montgomery County and Philadelphia.
Local Knowledge
What foundation issues are common in Greater Philadelphia homes?
Greater Philadelphia's housing stock spans from 1890s stone-foundation rowhouses to mid-century concrete block colonials to newer poured-concrete construction. Each era has its own failure patterns, and Bob has seen them all across 20+ years of local inspections.
Older homes (pre-1940): Stone and brick foundations are common in Montgomery County towns like Cheltenham, Abington, and Jenkintown. These can perform well for decades but are vulnerable to mortar deterioration and water infiltration at joints.
Mid-century homes (1940sā1970s): Concrete block construction is the dominant foundation type across the Philadelphia suburbs. Horizontal cracks in block foundations indicate lateral soil pressure: a serious condition that warrants prompt evaluation.
Common Questions
Foundation inspection: what buyers ask Bob
Is foundation inspection included in a regular home inspection?
Yes. Every All Seasons home inspection includes a thorough foundation evaluation at no extra charge. Bob doesn't treat foundation and structure as an afterthought. If you're buying a home and want to know the true condition of what it's sitting on, a full home inspection gives you that and every other major system.
When should I get a standalone foundation evaluation?
If you're an existing homeowner who has noticed cracks, settling floors, sticking doors, or water in the basement, and you're not in the middle of buying or selling, call Bob to discuss a focused evaluation. He'll tell you honestly whether what you're seeing warrants concern, and whether you need a structural engineer involved.
What's the difference between a foundation inspection and a structural engineering report?
A home inspector evaluates observable conditions and flags concerns. A structural engineer can provide sealed engineering opinions, load calculations, and remediation specifications. Bob will tell you when conditions warrant escalating to a structural engineer. He has no financial interest in recommending unnecessary follow-up.
How much does a foundation inspection cost?
From the Field
What Bob Finds in Real Inspections
Real jobs from Bob's own reports: what he found, what the lab said, and what he advised. Client names and street addresses are never published.
-
Willow Grove, Montgomery County
A pre-WWII Willow Grove two-story turned up knob-and-tube wiring, asbestos duct wrap, active termites, mice in the panel, and a corroded chimney.
-
Phoenixville, Chester County
A 60-year-old Phoenixville home on well water and oil heat turned up a corroded oil tank, three plumbing leaks, and basement mold discoloration.
-
Northern Liberties, Philadelphia
A 100-year-old mixed-use rowhouse in Northern Liberties turned up a 60-amp service, a shared gas flue, shifting stucco, and possible mold.
Want to see what you actually get? Read a full redacted sample home inspection report or sample mold and air quality report, page by page, with the PDF to download.
Full home inspection
Foundation evaluation included. InterNACHI-certified, 24-hour digital report, starting from $325.
Home Inspection Services āRadon testing
Pennsylvania has elevated radon levels. Test and bundle with your inspection for convenience.
Radon Testing āMold testing
Foundation moisture creates ideal mold conditions. PRO-LAB certified testing from $290.
Mold Inspection & Testing āReady to Schedule?
How quickly can I schedule a foundation inspection?
Call Bob directly for a 90-second quote, or fill out the form and expect a response the same day.