How Can You Sell Your Louisiana Home With a Foundation Settlement?

By John Wesley Walker II

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If you’re thinking about selling a home in Louisiana, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Watch out for foundation problems.” It’s a genuine concern here, especially with our soil and weather conditions. But before you get too worried, it’s essential to know that not every foundation issue is a deal breaker. Many of them can be fixed, and plenty of homes with settlement problems are still solid, livable, and safe.

Foundation movement is common. The combination of clay-rich soil, heavy rains, and long dry spells makes the foundations of homes in Louisiana vulnerable to shifting. When the ground under a home expands or shrinks, the foundation can settle unevenly. That may show up as small cracks, sloping floors, or doors that don’t close easily. These signs might look serious, but they often come from natural movement that can be repaired with the right solution.

The most important step is calling the right expert. You should never try to guess the severity of a foundation issue. A licensed contractor who specializes in foundation repair can give you an accurate assessment. Some problems are cosmetic while others need structural work. But either way, a foundation expert can explain what’s happening, why it matters, and how to fix it. General contractors might not have the right tools or knowledge, and that’s why this is a job for a specialist.

Poor drainage is a significant cause of damage. If water doesn’t flow correctly around the home, it can create soft spots in the soil. Too much water weakens the ground. Too little water causes shrinkage. Both conditions put pressure on the foundation. Homes with slab foundations or pier and beam systems are susceptible to changes in soil moisture. Correcting the drainage around the house can prevent or solve many of these issues.

Tree roots are not the whole story. Large trees near a home are another factor. People often assume that roots grow into the foundation and crack it. In most cases, the bigger problem is water. Trees pull a lot of moisture from the soil to survive. That loss of water can dry out the ground and cause it to contract, which affects the foundation. Cutting down the tree changes the balance again and sometimes leads to more soil shifting.

Foundation issues can be managed, but knowing what to do next makes all the difference. If you’re buying or selling and want to understand how foundation concerns could affect your transaction, feel free to call or text me at (318) 794-6769 or email me at johnwalker47@kw.com. I’ll walk you through your options, what repairs may be needed, and how to move forward with confidence.