Buying an Older Tacoma Home: Foundation Questions to Ask

About 43% of Tacoma homes were built before 1960, and the median home dates from 1967 (ACS 2024 5-year). Inspection reports on older homes often mention foundation cracks, sagging floors, crawl space moisture or missing anchor bolts.

Get a specialist's look. A foundation inspection during the option period, with floor level readings, turns a vague note into a scope and a price.

Ask the seller. Ask for any past repair invoices, warranties and permits. Pier warranties may transfer to a buyer.

Plan the upgrades. Bolting and cripple wall bracing are often easiest before you move in. See earthquake retrofits.