When cracks begin to appear in your walls or your floors start to slope, it’s natural to feel anxious. But before jumping to conclusions (or expenses), the best place to start is with a free foundation inspection. At Golden Retrofit, our goal is to help homeowners throughout Los Angeles County, including South Pasadena, Long Beach, and Azusa, understand what’s happening beneath their home—without pressure or guesswork.
In this post, we’ll walk you through:
What happens during a free foundation inspection
What we look for
How to prepare
What your inspection report includes
What happens if repairs are needed
Why Foundation Inspections Matter
Your foundation supports the entire structure of your home. Over time, soil shifts, moisture intrusion, and seismic activity can cause that foundation to weaken or move. Early detection can save you thousands of dollars in repairs—and sometimes even prevent full replacement.
If you’re noticing:
Cracks in walls or ceilings
Uneven floors or sagging crawl spaces
Doors and windows sticking
Gaps between baseboards and walls
…it’s time to book an inspection.
What Happens During the Inspection?
At Golden Retrofit, our licensed professionals follow a proven process that’s both thorough and transparent:
Step 1: Visual Exterior Assessment
We start by walking the perimeter of your home and looking for:
Foundation cracks
Soil drainage issues
Water pooling
Evidence of settlement or uplift
We also check for signs of salt damage (coastal areas like Long Beach) or hillside shifting (areas like Pasadena or Glendale).
Step 2: Crawl Space or Slab Evaluation
Depending on your home’s foundation type, we:
Enter crawl spaces to inspect posts, piers, and wood supports
Look for moisture, wood rot, or sagging beams
In slab homes, check for interior cracking or elevation changes using leveling tools
Step 3: Interior Signs of Damage
Inside your home, we’ll look for:
Cracked drywall
Doors/windows misaligned
Sloped floors (measured with a laser level)
Step 4: Soil and Drainage Review
We assess:
Soil conditions
Drainage grading
Gutter/downspout placement
This is critical in areas like Azusa where expansive soils and water runoff contribute heavily to structural issues.
What You’ll Receive After the Inspection
You’ll get a written or digital summary including:
A condition report of your foundation
Photos of any problem areas
Repair recommendations (if needed)
A rough cost estimate (only if issues are found)
Retrofit eligibility (e.g., EBB program for seismic retrofitting)
Note: No obligation. No sales pressure.
How to Prepare for Your Inspection
Clear access to crawl space (if applicable)
Move furniture away from large wall cracks
Provide your home’s year built (helps determine retrofit eligibility)
Case Study: South Pasadena Crawl Space Inspection
A homeowner in South Pasadena noticed sloping floors and minor drywall cracking. We discovered:
Two failing support posts in the crawl space
Poor ventilation and moisture intrusion
We proposed a post & pier reinforcement, added a vapor barrier, and recommended gutter extensions to redirect water. The project was completed in 5 days—preventing a full foundation replacement down the line.
Explore our foundation services in South Pasadena
FAQs: Foundation Inspections
Q: How long does a free foundation inspection take?
Typically 45–60 minutes, depending on the home size and access.
Q: Is the inspection really free?
Yes—no hidden charges. We offer it as a community service and to educate homeowners.
Q: Will I get a written report?
Yes, we provide written documentation and photos for your records.
Q: Do I have to do repairs with you?
Not at all. We give you the information—you choose how to move forward.
Q: Do you inspect multifamily or commercial buildings?
Yes. Contact us directly for larger properties or HOA work.
Ready to Book Your Free Inspection?
If you’re in Long Beach, Pasadena, Azusa, or anywhere in the Los Angeles area, Golden Retrofit is here to help you make an informed decision about your home’s foundation—before it turns into a costly problem.
Schedule Your Free Foundation Inspection
Call us at (800) 217-2458
