Preparing for a Foundation or Waterproofing Inspection

A free inspection works best when you arrive prepared. Every minute spent orienting is a minute not spent diagnosing. Here's how to make sure yours is productive.

Before the visit

• Clear a path to the basement, crawl access, and anywhere you've seen water or cracking.
• Move valuables 3 feet away from anything we'll need to touch or look behind.
• Crate or contain pets — not because we mind them, but because open basement doors and busy crews are risk factors.
• Take 5-10 photos of the issues you're seeing, with dates. If the problem is worse in rain, photos during rain are gold.
• Gather any records: prior repair quotes, previous inspections, real-estate disclosure info.

Helpful information

• Approximate age of the home.
• Age of the issue if you can remember (new this year? always been there?).
• Any previous waterproofing or foundation work — even if it failed or was incomplete.
• Anything you've noticed that changes with the weather.
• Whether you're planning to sell in the next 1-2 years.

Questions worth asking

• What's the root cause — not just the symptom?
• What are my options and their trade-offs?
• What happens if I do nothing for a year?
• What work is covered by the lifetime warranty, and what isn't?
• How long will the work take and what's the disruption?
• Can I see the written estimate and scope before I decide?

What to expect in a Cornerstone inspection

Nicholas walks the exterior, looks at grading, gutters, hardscape. Goes inside to the basement, crawl, or slab edge. Measures, photographs, and takes notes. Talks through what he's seeing as he goes. At the end: a clear verbal summary plus a written estimate in your inbox within a day or two. No on-the-spot pressure, no "today-only" pricing.

Red flags to watch for in any contractor

• Pressure to sign that day.
• No written scope.
• Prices that are wildly below everyone else — there's always a reason.
• Claims of lifetime warranties without a written, transferable document.

To schedule a Cornerstone inspection: (812) 850-5320.