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Quick, low-risk steps

  1. Pick a safe spot to observe from, without entering crawlspaces or damaged areas.
  2. Place a coin or ruler for scale and photograph the same crack or gap each time.
  3. Record the date, measurement, and any new sticking doors or floor changes.
  4. Note recent weather, plumbing leaks, or nearby construction that may affect soil.
  5. Save your entries and share the log with a licensed structural engineer, not just a repair contractor.

Why Keep a Foundation Movement Log

Foundation movement can be slow and seasonal. A single crack or sticky door does not always mean serious trouble. By recording changes over weeks or months, you create a timeline that helps a structural engineer distinguish normal settling from progressive damage. Soil moisture changes from rain or drought often cause temporary shifts, especially in expansive clay soils common in North Texas.

This log is not a diagnostic tool. It simply organizes your observations so you can provide clear, dated evidence to a professional. Without a log, you might rely on memory, which can be inaccurate. The engineer will combine your log with on-site measurements, soil data, and structural analysis to determine if repair is needed.

  • Record crack width, length, and location with a consistent reference scale.
  • Note any doors or windows that begin to stick or have gaps.
  • Track floor slopes using a level if safe to do so from a stable position.
  • Document weather extremes, plumbing leaks, or nearby excavation.

How to Use This Private Log

This tool stores your entries only in your browser. No data is sent to us or any third party. You can add, edit, or delete entries at any time. Each entry should include the date, a description of what you observed, and ideally a photo with a scale reference like a coin or ruler. Consistency is key: photograph the same crack from the same angle each time.

Do not attempt to measure inside crawlspaces, under piers, or in any area that feels unsafe. If you cannot safely access a location, note that in the log and tell the engineer. The log is meant to be a simple, safe record, not a substitute for professional inspection.

  • Open the log on your phone or computer; all data stays local.
  • Add a new entry each time you notice a change or on a regular schedule.
  • Include a photo with a coin or ruler for scale, taken from the same spot.
  • Describe any new sounds, smells, or visible changes near the area.
  • Review past entries to see if changes are accelerating or seasonal.

What the Log Cannot Tell You

This log does not evaluate structural safety, soil bearing capacity, or repair needs. It cannot tell you if a crack is cosmetic or structural. Only a licensed professional engineer can perform the necessary calculations and inspections. The USDA soil survey maps show general soil types but are not detailed enough for a specific property assessment.

Do not use this log to decide on repair methods or to negotiate with contractors without an independent engineering opinion. Foundation repair decisions should be based on engineering analysis, not just visual observations. Always separate the engineering evaluation from the repair bid to avoid conflicts of interest.

  • Cannot determine if movement is normal or dangerous.
  • Does not replace a professional elevation survey or plumbing test.
  • Soil maps are regional and not property-specific.
  • Photos alone cannot measure structural load paths or foundation integrity.

Next Steps After Logging

Once you have several weeks or months of observations, share the log with a Texas-licensed structural engineer. They will likely perform a site visit, take precise measurements, and may recommend a plumbing leak test or soil analysis. The engineer's report should be separate from any contractor's repair proposal.

When comparing repair bids, use your log to ask contractors how their proposed solution addresses the specific changes you documented. A quality contractor will welcome this information. Be wary of anyone who dismisses your observations or pressures you to sign immediately.

  • Share the log with an independent structural engineer, not just a salesperson.
  • Ask the engineer if soil movement is consistent with local USDA soil data.
  • Get a separate plumbing test if water leaks are suspected.
  • Compare repair bids using the Foundation Quote Comparer tool.
  • Keep logging even after repairs to monitor long-term performance.

Private worksheet

Foundation Movement Observation Log: private worksheet

Check items as you confirm them. Your selections and notes stay in this browser and are not submitted to us. This worksheet does not diagnose the problem or replace an on-site professional.

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Items to confirm

Common questions

What homeowners ask next

How often should I add an entry to the log?

Add an entry whenever you notice a change, or at least once a month during dry and wet seasons. Consistency helps identify patterns.

Can I use this log to prove my foundation needs repair?

The log is a helpful record, but only a licensed structural engineer can determine if repair is necessary. It does not replace professional evaluation.

Is my data safe in this browser-based log?

Yes, all entries are stored only on your device. No data is transmitted or stored on our servers.

Evidence

Sources used for this guide

Research checked July 31, 2026

Optional next step

Need an on-site professional?

Use the guide and worksheet first so you can describe the situation and compare the full scope. A referral is optional; you can also contact a licensed local provider directly.

Referral matching is not enabled yet.

We have not enabled a provider route for this site. Use the checklist to contact and verify local providers yourself; urgent hazards should go to the appropriate emergency or public service.