To detect foundation problems on time you need to inspect your foundation regularly. If you notice something suspicious, keeping an eye on the problem will help you prevent it from getting out of hand.
Annual Inspections
If you have just moved into a new home, you probably do not anticipate foundation problems to occur right away. However, it is recommended to conduct a routine check once a year to see whether everything is in order. This way you can notice a problem as soon as it shows up and nips it in the bud.
This may seem redundant, but keep in mind that there are so many things that could damage your foundation. In addition, foundation problems can quickly escalate, so by skipping just one inspection you are giving them enough time to spiral out of control. The sooner you catch a problem, the easier it will be to fix it, not to mention cheaper.
Monthly Checkups
If during one of the inspections you notice that your foundation is experiencing some issues, you will need to increase the frequency of assessments to once a month. For example, cracks in your foundation can just be cosmetical, but they can also be a sign of foundation settlement. Keeping an eye on them and contacting a professional as soon as you notice any changes can save you a lot of trouble.
Of course, it is always best to schedule routine inspections with a professional. Their trained eye will surely notice possible problems sooner so they won’t have time to escalate. Unless you have training in foundation repair, it is better to step aside and leave things to experts.