Use this checklist to document foundation cracks in a consistent way before speaking with an inspector, contractor, structural engineer, or geotechnical engineer. It focuses on crack pattern, change over time, moisture, and nearby soil conditions.
What To Document
- Crack location, length, width, direction, offset, and whether it is vertical, diagonal, horizontal, or stair-step
- Date observed, whether it is widening, and whether doors, windows, floors, or walls changed nearby
- Water stains, efflorescence, damp soil, ponding, downspouts, irrigation, and grading around the area
- Photos with a ruler, overview photos, and notes after heavy rain or dry periods
When To Seek Review
- Cracks that widen, show offset, leak water, or appear with wall bowing
- Horizontal basement wall cracks or inward wall movement
- New cracking near slopes, retaining walls, excavations, or large trees
- Cracks associated with settlement, floor slope, sticking doors, or safety concerns
Engineering Notes
- This checklist helps organize observations; it does not diagnose the cause by itself.
- Soil moisture changes, expansive clay, poor drainage, and settlement can create similar-looking symptoms.
- Do not delay professional review when movement is rapid, severe, or near a life-safety concern.
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Foundation Crack Observation Checklist
The downloadable text file mirrors the checklist structure on this page so it can be copied into project notes, field forms, study binders, or calculation records.