Don't Be Afraid of the Basement: What to Look for When Buying a Home

At DBS, we believe every family deserves to live in a healthy, safe, and comfortable home. When you’re searching for the right place, it’s easy to get swept up in the layout, finishes, and location—but don’t forget to look below the surface. The condition of a home’s basement or crawl space can tell you a lot about its overall health and future upkeep.

Basement Trouble Signs

A basement doesn't have to be scary—but it should be taken seriously. It’s often the first place where bigger home issues begin to show. During a walk-through, look out for:

• Cracks in foundation walls

• Water damage or musty smells

• Uneven floors or shifting walls

• An old or non-functioning sump pump

These signs could indicate foundation settlement, water intrusion, or structural stress. The good news? Most of these problems are fixable. At DBS, we offer solutions like wall support systems and waterproofing that restore stability and keep basements dry and healthy.

Peek into the Crawl Space

If the home doesn’t have a basement, check the crawl space. This hidden area plays a big role in supporting your home. Unfortunately, many crawl spaces suffer from poor design, wood rot, or weak soil conditions that can lead to sagging floors and structural issues.

Fortunately, systems like crawl space jacks and encapsulation can restore strength and protect the home from moisture and future damage.

Feel Confident in Your New Home

If you find a home you love but have concerns about what’s underneath—it’s okay. Most basement and crawl space issues are common and treatable. At DBS, we specialize in:

• Foundation and crawl space repair

• Basement waterproofing

• Insulation and concrete solutions

We offer free, no-obligation inspections so you can buy with confidence and move forward knowing your future home is safe, sound, and built to last.