Home Health Checklist

Written By: Groundworks Editorial Team
Published on: June 2, 2020
Updated on: August 12, 2026

Home health has significant long-term effects. A proactive repair approach helps identify problems early, address underlying causes, and prevent future issues. This saves money and reduces stress.

Our checklist outlines the signs to look for to keep your home healthy, safe, and dry.

Foundation Damage Problem Signs

Structural problems often indicate significant issues, like foundation damage. The following foundation problem signs may indicate issues:

If you notice the signs of potential foundation damage, it’s crucial to contact a foundation repair specialist. Experts provide inspections, diagnose the issues, and recommend tailored repair plans.

Crawl Space Problem Signs

Close-up of stone and wood foundation with visible mold growth on surfaces, highlighting moisture problems in a crawl space.

Crawl space damage results from moisture, mold, and wood rot caused by many factors. Contact an expert if you notice these crawl space problem signs:

Crawl space damage should be addressed before it worsens. Crawl space experts provide thorough inspections, diagnose issues, and recommend tailored repair plans.

Basement Damage Problem Signs

Concrete basement walls with visible water damage, stains, efflorescence, and mold growth along the bottom edge.

Many factors cause basement damage. The following basement problem signs may indicate an issue requiring repair:

Sump pump issues
Poor drainage
Leaking pipes or plumbing
Leaking basement windows
Leaking in basement cove
Basement mold
Condensation
Warped doors
Musty basement smell
Efflorescence
Wet walls and floors
Water stains on basement walls or floors

Solutions To Improve Home Health

1. Foundation Repair

Worker in jeans and safety vest lifting metal pipes outdoors near a brick wall, prepping for foundation repair.

A healthy foundation is the key to maintaining your home’s structure and keeping you and your family safe. Addressing foundation issues quickly prevents further damage and costly repairs in the future. Foundation repair may include one of the following piering solutions:

Helical Piers: Stabilize the structure’s weight onto more stable soil
Slab Piers: Stabilize the slab foundation from unstable soil conditions
Push Piers: Stabilize and lifts compromised foundations

If you believe you’re seeing signs of foundation problems, there are several repair options you can explore. A free inspection from a foundation expert can help you understand what’s happening with your home and develop solutions that are best suited to your unique repair needs.

2. Crawl Space Encapsulation

Homes with crawl spaces often experience problems affecting structural integrity caused by moisture. Professional crawl space encapsulation solutions keep the area safe and dry. These encapsulation methods include:

Vapor Barriers: Protects the floors and walls from moisture
Sump Pumps: Pumps water out of the area
Drainage Systems: Directs water away from the crawl space
Dehumidifier: Removes moisture from air
Insulation: Regulates temperatures
Crawl Space Doors: Provides access for maintenance and protects against the elements
Crawl Space Jacks: Stabilize and restore support beams
Drainage Matting: Directs excess water toward the drainage system

Professional inspections identify and diagnose problems, helping you know which crawl space encapsulation method is right for you.

3. Basement Waterproofing

finished and waterproofed basement with WallSeal vapor barrier

Basement waterproofing helps prevent water damage and solves persistent moisture or humidity issues. It also creates a secure, waterproof environment for basement finishing. Professionals install the following solutions:

Dehumidifier: Reduces air moisture
Sump Pumps: Eliminates excess water
Interior Drainage Systems: Directs water to the sump pump
Wall Vapor Barrier: Protects wall from moisture
Channel Anchors: Stabilizes shearing walls
FreezeGuard™: Prevents sump pump backflow and burnout

Basement moisture problems worsen if left unattended. Contact a basement waterproofing expert for a free inspection to prevent further issues.

4. Concrete Lifting

Cracking, sinking, and uneven concrete slabs can be dangerous tripping hazards. They also indicate soil shifts and water problems that precede home foundation damage.

Effective concrete lifting gets to the root of the problem. Rather than a patchwork solution or excavation, concrete lifting is possible through polyurethane foam injection. Homeowners prefer this solution due to its strong, durable, and environmentally friendly nature. It is a minimally invasive, efficient solution, allowing same-day use of the treated concrete areas. Concrete applications include sidewalks, driveways, patios, porches, pool decks, and more.

Want to Learn More?

Perform your DIY home inspection using our downloadable checklist. Identify potential problems to maintain a safe and healthy living environment.

Click below to get started!

View & Download Printable PDF

Let JES Foundation Repair Restore Your Home’s Health

Maintaining a healthy home starts from the ground up. Learn how to preserve structural integrity with a free inspection from JES. We help homeowners throughout Virginia, Maryland, and northeastern North Carolina safeguard their homes and peace of mind.

Get Your Free Inspection!

Foundation Repair FAQs

Some waterproofing solutions are temporary, whereas others can last longer if they’re more comprehensive. The type of waterproofing that involves interior drainage installed by a reliable basement waterproofing professional is a more permanent solution. Comparatively, sealant waterproofing lasts between one and two years, depending on the type of sealant you used.

Our process involves removing standing water and installing CrawlDrain™ for ongoing drainage, complemented by drainage matting, encapsulation, insulation, and dehumidification. Contact us for more details and to schedule a free inspection.

It is generally recommended to have your foundation inspected at least once every few years, especially if you notice any signs of foundation problems such as cracks in the walls, uneven floors, or doors and windows that stick. Regular inspections can help identify any potential issues early on and prevent them from escalating into more significant problems. Additionally, if you live in an area with unstable soil or experience extreme weather conditions, more frequent inspections may be necessary.

Groundworks Editorial Team