What should be verified about the condition of a home’s foundation during inspection?

Verifying the integrity and absence of cracks or other damage in a home's foundation is crucial during an inspection. The foundation is the structural base of the home, and any issues such as cracks, shifting, or signs of moisture intrusion can indicate serious problems that could affect the safety and longevity of the building.

A solid foundation is essential for overall structural stability; therefore, inspectors look for visible defects that could compromise this stability. Cracks can be symptomatic of soil movement, poor initial construction, or water damage, and identifying these early can lead to more manageable repair options and help prevent further complications.

While aspects like window functionality, presence of insulation, and type of foundation material are important in their own right for different reasons—such as energy efficiency or compliance with building codes—they do not directly reveal the structural integrity of the home in the same critical way that assessing the foundation does.