🌸 DIY Spring Homeowner Checklist #7: Foundation & Drainage
- dksmalls777
- Apr 15
- 5 min read
Updated: May 19
Part of our Spring Homeowner Checklist Series
How Small Issues Turn Into Major Structural Damage
When it comes to your home, your foundation is everything.
And every spring, we see the same problem across Kansas and the Midwest…
👉 Water going where it shouldn’t.
It might not seem like a big deal at first—just a little pooling water or a small crack—but over time, these small issues can turn into serious structural damage that’s expensive to repair.
🚨 Why Foundation & Drainage Matter
Your home is constantly exposed to rain, melting snow, and shifting soil.
If water isn’t properly directed away, it can:
Seep into foundation walls
Expand small cracks into major ones
Cause shifting or settling
Lead to basement or crawlspace leaks
Create mold, mildew, and interior damage
👉 And once water starts working its way in, it doesn’t stop.
🔍 How to Spot Foundation Problems Early
The good news? Most issues can be caught early with a simple inspection.
Structural vs Non-Structural
Here’s what to look for:
1. Cracks in the Foundation
Hairline cracks can be normal—but watch for:
Cracks that are widening
Horizontal cracks (more serious)
Stair-step cracks in brick or block
2. Water Pooling Around Your Home
After a rain, walk around your property.
🚩 Red flag:
Standing water near the foundation
Muddy or consistently wet areas
Water should always drain away from your home—not toward it. Please check out our Gutters page to show the correct installation of gutters and downspouts.
3. Soil Pulling or Eroding Away From the House
Changes in temperature can cause soil to expand and contract.
Look for:
Gaps between the soil and foundation
Uneven ground around your home
This creates an easy path for water to get in.
4. Downspout Issues
Your gutters and downspouts play a HUGE role here. This makes such a big difference and is the CHEAPEST fix!
Make sure:
Downspouts extend at least 3–5 feet away
Water isn’t dumping right next to your foundation
⚠️Incorrect Downspout Installation (missing extensions)
✅Correct Installation of Downspout Extensions
5. Interior Warning Signs
Sometimes the first signs show up inside.
Watch for:
Musty smells
Water stains on walls or floors
Cracks in drywall
Doors or windows sticking
👉 These can all point back to foundation movement or moisture issues.
🔍 What to Look For if You Have a Slab Instead of a Basement
🧰 Simple DIY Fixes That Make a Big Difference
If you catch issues early, many fixes are simple:
✔ Add soil to improve grading (slope away from foundation)
✔ Fill small exterior cracks with proper sealant
✔ Keep gutters clean and flowing
✔ Extend downspouts away from the home (for DIY see image below)
👉 These small steps can prevent thousands in repairs later.
👉 Here are some tips on how to fix SMALL cracks on your own. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, then please call in a professional!
💸 What Happens If You Ignore It?
This is where things get expensive.
Unchecked water and foundation issues can lead to:
Major structural repairs
Basement flooding
Mold remediation
Interior wall and flooring damage
💸 What could have been a $100–$300 fix can quickly turn into $5,000+
👀 Why Spring Is the Best Time to Check
Spring is when:
Snow melts
Rain increases
Soil shifts the most
👉 Which makes it the perfect time to catch problems early
🤝 Need a Second Opinion?
If you’re seeing something and aren’t sure if it’s serious—we’re here to help.
📞 If you need a second opinion or see structural issues, please give our concrete contractors a call. Schiffelbein Concrete has been serving the community for over 50 years and shares the same core values we stand by—honesty, integrity, and doing what’s right. They won’t recommend repairs that aren’t needed, and they treat every home like their own. They’re the team we trust with our own homes, and we’re confident they’ll take great care of yours. Or, if you like, send us a message and we will put you in contact with them.
*NOTE 👉 “Just to be clear—this isn’t a paid recommendation. They’re simply a company we trust and feel confident referring.”
🔎 Continue Your Spring Checklist
This is part of our Spring Homeowner Checklist Series. Be sure to also check out our guides on siding damage, roof issues, gutter maintenance, window and door leaks, paint failure, and interior water stains to get a complete picture of your home’s condition.
Foundation issues are often caused by problems in other areas of your home.
👉 Check these next:
👍 Final Thought
Water damage doesn’t happen overnight—but it starts quietly.
The sooner you catch it, the easier (and cheaper) it is to fix.
🌸 Spring DIY Homeowner Checklist Series:
This is part of your Spring Homeowner Checklist Series:
👉 Together, these help you catch problems BEFORE they become expensive. And you can do them yourself to save money and protect your home
🗺️ Areas We Serve in Kansas
Veterans Siding & Exteriors of KS proudly serves homeowners throughout:
📍 Topeka, KS
📍 Meriden, KS
📍 Lawrence, KS
📍 Kansas City, KS
📍 Surrounding Kansas communities
👉 Looking for a contractor near you? Reach out—we may already service your area.
⭐ Trusted by Kansas Homeowners
We’re proud to be a trusted local contractor known for quality workmanship, honest recommendations, and helping homeowners create functional, beautiful spaces.
⭐ Organic 5-Star Reviews from Kansas homeowners
Veterans Siding & Exteriors of KS📞 (785) 433-5020
🏠 Popular Services
Homeowners contact us for:
✔ Whole-home siding (vinyl, wood, metal)
✔ Garage conversions
✔ Attic conversions
✔ Patio enclosures
✔ Home additions
✔ Kitchen remodeling
✔ Bathroom remodeling
✔ Windows & doors
✔ Interior layout remodeling
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What areas of my home should I inspect each spring?
A: Focus on siding, windows, doors, gutters, fascia and soffit, sealing flashing and sealing exterior vents, and any other areas where water can enter the home.
Q: What small exterior issues should homeowners fix right away?
A: Loose siding, cracked caulking, small gaps, peeling paint, and clogged gutters should be addressed early before they lead to larger repairs.
Q: What are common signs of hidden damage?
A: Watch for water stains, soft or rotted wood, mold or mildew, gaps around windows or doors, and unexplained drafts.
Q: Can small maintenance issues really turn into expensive repairs?
A: Yes. Small issues that are ignored can gradually lead to water intrusion, structural damage, rot, and larger replacement projects over time.
Q: How often should I inspect the exterior of my home?
A: A full visual inspection at least twice a year—typically spring and fall—is a good habit and can help catch problems early.
🏠 Stay Ahead of Bigger Problems
Owning a home comes with ongoing maintenance, but catching small issues early can save significant time and money later. Our Homeowner’s Checklist series is designed to help you learn what to look for and how to handle simple maintenance items before they become major repairs.
Need help with something beyond a small fix?
📞 Call or text: (785) 433-5020
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