Your foundation carries everything — quite literally. The good news is that most foundation problems are preventable with simple, regular care. Here are the five measures our engineers recommend to every homeowner, whether we built the house or not.
1. Keep water moving away from the house
Water is the number-one enemy of foundations. Check that gutters discharge at least 1.5 metres from the walls, that downspouts aren't crushed or disconnected, and that soil slopes gently away from the house — not toward it. A weekend with a level and a shovel prevents most damp issues we get called to.
2. Watch the cracks — but don't panic
Hairline cracks in concrete are usually shrinkage, not structural failure. Mark the ends with a pencil and date them; if a crack grows wider than 3mm, runs diagonally across a wall, or lets in water, call a professional for assessment.
3. Mind the trees
Large trees within a few metres of the house can dry out clay soils and cause seasonal movement. Root barriers and sensible planting distances protect both the tree and the building — get an arborist's view before removing anything mature.
4. Ventilate and drain the subfloor
Suspended floors need airflow. Keep air bricks clear of soil and mulch, and make sure underfloor drainage actually runs somewhere. Trapped moisture rots joists long before you notice bouncy floors.
5. Book a professional check every few years
A ten-minute level survey today is worth ten thousand in underpinning tomorrow.
A structural engineer or experienced builder can spot settlement patterns, drainage failures, and material decay in a single visit. We offer foundation health checks across the region — fixed fee, written report, no obligation.
Founder & Structural Lead, Juniper Hollow Builders
