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Whether you’re planning to sell soon or settling in for years to come, the foundations of your home matter more than you might think. For sellers, it’s the difference between getting the best offers or watching buyers walk away. For homeowners, it’s the peace of mind that comes with knowing your biggest investment is secure.
Subsidence, or the sinking movement of the ground, can happen for a number of reasons. The type of soil, seasonal or extreme weather changes, and even tree roots can lead to changes beneath your house. If left untreated, the ground could subside further and cause permanent damage to your home.
The good news is that ground support solutions are more advanced, accessible and efficient than ever before. A residential sales expert uncovers the benefits of starting from the ground up when it comes to your property.
Build buyer confidence by tackling red flags early
When embarking on the journey of selling your home, you’ll likely have a long list of things to think about. Lucille De Abreu, from the Residential Sales team at Barfoot and Thompson, has successfully seen many clients through this journey in her region of Whangaparaoa, Auckland.
“Subsidence might not be the first thing you notice,” says De Abreu, “but buyers will organise a building inspection before getting a loan, so it will come up then.”
Addressing any possible red flags like subsidence means that when it comes time to sell your house, you can build trust with buyers and (hopefully) avoid being caught up in lengthy price negotiations or concerns about serious foundation issues.
Create more appeal for potential buyers
Selling a house can be a numbers game – the more interest you have, the better the outcome of the sale. Having the property in the best condition possible helps with trust, but it also increases the number of potential buyers.
“If issues with the foundation do come up, it will discourage potential buyers who can’t or don’t want to do additional work on the property,” says De Abreu. “So in some cases it might decrease the selling price, or there may be less demand overall for your property, which will also decrease the price.”
Taking care of your foundations can reassure potential buyers and give yourself the best chance of a smooth and swift house sale.
Ready to sort out your foundations? Book in a free site inspection here.
Prepare your home for climate uncertainty
New Zealanders will be familiar with the increasing frequency of cyclones and other extreme weather events in recent years. Natural disasters such as flooding, drought and earthquakes can affect soil moisture levels, resulting in excessive foundation movement.
Many residential areas in New Zealand are built on low lying flood plains, so most homeowners would benefit from a proactive approach.
Avoid the stress of emergency repairs
If you’re settled in your dream house, it’s more about the peace of mind that comes with knowing your biggest investment is secure.
“All homeowners can benefit, whether they are planning to stay in their own home or looking to sell,” says De Abreu. “If there is subsidence on the property, you want the house that you live in to be well maintained, for your own comfort and safety,” she adds.
Taking preventative measures can be as easy as looking out for the signs of subsidence, like cracked walls and sinking floors.
Take advantage of non-disruptive solutions
The final reason to invest might come as a surprise: foundation repair likely isn’t what you’re imagining.
Repair work, especially traditional underpinning, has had a reputation for being loud, messy, lengthy, and disruptive to both the property and everyday life. However, modern ground improvement and level correction methods mean that most jobs take days, not months.
The team at Mainmark has raised, re-levelled and re-supported homes, buildings and structures for over 25 years. Our technologies and experienced technicians ensure minimal disruption and prevent further damage while re-levelling your home in a quick and timely manner.
Watch: Time Lapse of How Mainmark’s Resin Injection Works
Unlike other systems that require the use of jacks and heavy machinery dragged through the property, Mainmark’s methods are non-invasive. There’s usually no need for homeowners to move out while work is completed, and many projects only take a day or two.
Josh Townsend, Business Development Manager at Mainmark New Zealand, says the team at Mainmark understands the pressure homeowners face come resale time: “You should get the best value for your biggest asset.”
Some things homeowners should look out for
Look out for cracks in the walls, windows jamming, or doors that won’t close properly because of ground settlement. While a small crack might not cause concern, anything longer than five millimetres could indicate that the house is moving more than it should.
You might also have relevant paperwork from past builder’s inspections or house sales that could shed some light on what’s going on beneath the foundations.
What to do if you’ve seen these signs?
A simple site inspection is the first step to securing your home’s value. Whether you’re selling up or settling in, expert advice and modern solutions make foundation repairs easier than ever.
If you’re seeing cracks, misaligned doors, or other signs of foundation movement, it’s important to consult with a professional who can assess whether your property is experiencing subsidence.
Call 0800 873 835 or complete an enquiry form to book a free, no-obligation site inspection with one of our team:
