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One problem with buying a home in the southern West Virginia area is the likelihood that a home you are interested in may have had foundation problems that have been repaired or been reported by either the inspector or an engineer. Often, this causes buyers to tuck and run! BUT IS THAT THE RIGHT MOVE? The main causes of foundation failure is our expansive (clay) soils. These soils will contract when dry and expand when wet. This can cause foundations to push in horizontally due to the hydrostatic pressure this condition causes. These problems are not normally associated with poor construction but rather this pressure over time. Poor water management (Hill Sloping, Gutter Water Management etc.) can also cause wall pressure and footer failures. Foundation repair is very common and is seen in more and more homes. In your search for a new home, it's fairly likely that you'll come across a home or two that has been repaired. So, you like the house but aren't sure about the foundation? Well, that's understandable! The first question is to ask is if the repair work was designed by a structural engineer? Having the repair engineered and signed off on is about the best way to ensure the home will not have further problems. This information should be accessible to your realtor for you to review. Next, was the repair completed by a reputable foundation repair contractor? Alot of times there are warranties with these companies that last for 10 years up to the lifetime of the home! It's good to have this information and also a good idea to reach out to the contractor and have the warranty transferred to you if you purchase the home. Last, if you choose  Advantage Home Inspections, LLC  for your home inspection , our background is in Structural Repair. We have worked with most of the local engineers and have first-hand experience with the techniques used to stabilize homes. We can offer some of the peace of mind you're looking for, to protect your biggest investment! It's important to remember that in most cases, homes that have had foundation repairs are more stable than they were when first built! We are available at  304-768-5446  . We look forward to working with you!