Things seen this week during structural assessments!

This “privacy” fence separates two homes, but what’s not immediately visible is the slope located directly behind it. The patio is noticeably sinking towards the slope, which is a result of poor grading and no drainage system. Instead of directing water to an approved drainage area, water flows toward the slope. Which is increasing soil erosion and settlement.

Cracks like this = the wall’s SOS signal. This pattern forms when seismic activity or settlement causes uneven stress on unreinforced masonry like bricks.

When your foundation’s stem wall starts cracking, it’s the structure’s way of saying “I’m tired.” Cracks in your stem wall can form for several different reasons like poor drainage or seismic activity. From there, these small issues can turn into big issues.

Water always finds a way in. Water is your foundation's worst enemy. Over time, water penetrates the concrete and exposes the rebar inside to moisture, causing the concrete to crack and break apart. This weakens the foundation, making it unstable. ?

When your garage floor looks like tectonic plates, you know there’s movement below.

These stairs are doing their best impression of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.?

They’re working overtime… trying to become a ramp. The shifting soil below is calling the shots here.

A DIY masterpiece: stacked bricks, random wood blocks, and hope. This pier-and-post setup offers zero lateral stability. Unsupported or uneven piers shift, leading to sagging floors and cracking walls above.

Just levitating blocks and loose wires. ? What could go wrong? A real footing and proper post connection would turn this from “hope and prayer” to structural support.