Will Your Retirement Home Be a Dream – or a Nightmare?

Retirement is a very special phase of life, one that you have likely spent a lot of time planning and saving for. It is also a time we see people “downsizing” to smaller, often single-story ranch-style homes. While finding that retirement dream home is a joyful occasion, you want to make sure your dream doesn’t quickly become a nightmare. There are many considerations when buying a retirement home. As always, a key factor is a strong foundation.  

Retirement Dream Home Wish List

Everyone’s retirement will be unique to their personal goals and desires. It is a good idea to make a list and then rank the things most important to you regarding where and how you will live during your retirement years. Here are a few suggestions you may want to consider. B  

  • Low Maintenance: Even the most passionate DIYers may find their willingness and physical ability to handle big home maintenance chores and projects diminishes as they grow older. Have a clear picture of the regular maintenance profile of any home and its surrounding landscape that you are considering. 

  • Climate Considerations: Is your dream to retire to a beach home? Maybe the mountains? What potential issues will your new climate bring to homeownership? What do you need to be aware of that you’re not used to?

Accessibility: How accessible is the home for someone with health issues? While they may not be present now, what happens if someone needs a wheelchair one day? Are bathrooms and showers already accessible, or will they need to be converted? What about entryways? Nobody wants to think about these things, but it is wise to consider these things.

Foundation Types

The cliché in real estate is that it’s all about “location, location, location!” Well, that is certainly a factor, but for those of us in construction, we know that it is really all about “foundation, foundation, foundation!” If your home doesn’t have a strong foundation to stand on, you will eventually have a nightmare on your hands. The first consideration is the foundation type. 

  • Basement: A foundation with a full or partial underground level. Buyers should check for signs of water damage and ensure proper waterproofing.

  • Crawl Space: A foundation with a shallow, accessible space beneath the house. Inspect for moisture, pest and insulation issues. We highly recommend a full encapsulation for every crawl space to create a conditioned and sealed space. 

  • Slab: A concrete slab foundation that is level with the ground. Look for cracks and make sure the concrete was properly poured and finished.

The type of foundation, to some extent, is a personal choice, but regardless of type, it should be in good condition. A wise investment would be to hire a qualified and licensed structural engineer to check for any lurking surprises and to give you peace of mind. 

Foundation Red Flags

There are several signs of foundation issues that you can spot on your own when first touring the home.

  • Cracks in the walls, floors, or ceilings, especially if they are bigger than a quarter-inch wide

  • Uneven or sloping floors

  • Doors and windows that stick or do not close properly

  • Gaps or separations between the foundation and the house

  • Exterior cracks in the foundation walls

These issues could indicate foundation settling, shifting, or structural problems. Again, it is essential to have a professional inspection if any of these signs are present. You should also inquire about any previous foundation repairs. These might be cause for alarm or at least an opportunity to guarantee that the issues were properly addressed. Ask for documentation and warranties related to the repairs, and consider getting a second opinion from an independent inspector.

Drainage and Water Management

Proper drainage around the foundation is critical. Poor drainage can lead to water infiltration, which can damage the foundation over time. Check for these elements:

  • Gutters and downspouts: Be sure they are in good condition and direct water away from the foundation.

  • Grading: The ground should slope away from the house to prevent water from pooling around the foundation.

  • Foundation waterproofing: If the property has a basement or crawl space, check for signs of water damage and inquire about any waterproofing measures in place.

The foundation of a home is the literal and figurative base of any property. Buyers should pay careful attention to this vital element when evaluating a potential new home. A strong foundation creates a safe and stable living environment, while foundation issues can lead to costly repairs and structural problems. By conducting thorough inspections, understanding the foundation type and addressing any issues up front, buyers can make informed decisions and protect their investment. As always, please let us know if we can be of any help.

Liz Rodgers