Southwest Oklahoma's clay soil swells when wet and shrinks when dry, so foundation movement is common. Repairs can range from a few thousand dollars to much more. Fixing it can raise the sale price, but only if the repair cost and hassle make sense for you.
Signs your foundation is moving
- Cracks in drywall above doors and windows, or diagonal cracks in brick.
- Doors that stick or won't latch, and windows that bind.
- Sloping floors or gaps between the floor and baseboards.
- Cracks in the slab visible in the garage.
Not every crack is serious. A structural engineer's report tells you what you're dealing with, and it's worth the fee.
What repair can cost
Pier-and-beam leveling or installing piers under a slab is usually priced per pier, and a typical job needs several. Many repairs land in the several-thousand-dollar range, while severe cases with drainage and plumbing work can go well beyond that. Get at least two written bids.
How it affects buyers
Foundation issues show up in inspections and can be a problem for FHA and VA loans, which have property condition standards. Buyers often ask for a large credit or walk away, which is why these houses can sit on the market.
Fix it or sell as-is?
- Fix it if you have the money, the time to manage the work and a transferable warranty from the repair company.
- Sell as-is if the repair cost is uncertain, you can't front the money or a buyer has already backed out.
House with foundation issues in Lawton?
We buy as-is and show exactly how the repair is priced into the offer.
Sell as-isThis article is general information about selling a home in Oklahoma, not legal, tax or financial advice. Laws and timelines change and every situation is different, so talk with a licensed attorney or professional about your case.
