Don’t Lose Your Coverage! How to Avoid Voiding Your Foundation Warranty

“I Wish I Had Known” – Alex’s Story on Foundation Issues

When Alex first moved into his home nearly ten years ago, he never thought the foundation would be the biggest problem he’d face. But as his home warranty was about to expire, he started noticing things that didn’t feel quite right.  “My doors don’t close properly. My tile is cracked. I even have cracks in my walls. You can see the island is slanted—if I put a ball on there, it rolls down.” - Alex 

Concerned, Alex reached out to his home warranty company. They told him they would need to send out an inspector—but he had to pay the inspection fee. The inspector eventually came out, but the results weren’t what Alex expected.

“They said the level of work needed wasn’t enough for them to start on the foundation.”- Alex 

Still uneasy, Alex decided to get a second opinion. He called in several foundation companies for an evaluation. What they told him was shocking:

“They said my home had shifted by 8 inches. The quotes I got ranged anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 depending on the materials and the type of work they would need to do.” - Alex 

What Could Have Helped Prevent the Damage

The foundation companies explained that there are a few key things every homeowner should do to protect their home’s foundation and avoid costly repairs like the ones Alex now faces:

• Install Gutters & Downspouts – Direct rainwater 5–10 feet away from the foundation.

• Check the Grading Around Your Home – Make sure the soil slopes away from the house.

• Monitor Soil Moisture – Use a soaker hose during long dry spells to prevent clay soil from shrinking.

• Keep Trees & Shrubs in Check – Plant large trees at least 10–15 feet away from the foundation.

• Inspect Regularly for Warning Signs – Watch for cracks, sticking doors, or uneven floors.

• Check for Plumbing Leaks – Undetected slab leaks can cause soil to soften and shift.

• Consider Drainage Solutions – French or surface drains help in areas where water collects.

How Not to Void Your Foundation Warranty

Many homeowners don’t realize that warranties often come with maintenance requirements. Failing to follow them can void the coverage, leaving you responsible for repairs. Here are common ways to keep your warranty valid:

• Maintain Proper Drainage – Standing water near the foundation can cancel coverage.

• Use Soaker Hoses During Droughts – Keep soil moisture consistent as recommended by your foundation company.

• Don’t Plant Large Trees Too Close – Root intrusion is often excluded from warranty coverage.

• Avoid DIY Foundation Alterations – Any unauthorized modifications can void your warranty.

• Follow the Builder’s Maintenance Guide – Keep documentation of any steps you take.

• Schedule Recommended Inspections – If your warranty requires periodic checkups, don’t skip them.

Keeping records and photos of maintenance is also smart—if a claim comes up, you’ll have proof that you did your part.

Do You Suspect Foundation Issues?

If you’ve noticed cracks in your walls, doors not closing properly, or uneven floors, don’t wait until the repairs become overwhelming. We work with vetted foundation vendors who can provide professional evaluations and estimates to give you peace of mind.

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