A foundation is the underground construction that connects a property to the ground. It’s the base of whatever is built above ground. Foundation problems can have major consequences for a property’s stability.
"},"alignedImage":{"position":"left","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/24176067-72c3-4b3e-85f8-dde51ce77934/handsimaginefuturehouse","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/55a1366576e051c3/original/handsimaginefuturehouse.svg","extension":"svg"}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"Different types of foundations","richBody":{"value":"There are roughly two types of foundations: foundations built on (wood or concrete) pilings and shallow foundations (foundations built on ‘steel’).
"},"textLinks":[{"url":"https://www.kcaf.nl/kennisbank/verschillende-soorten-funderingen/","text":"Read more details about the different types of foundation"}]},{"title":"How to tell which type of foundation you have","richBody":{"value":"Do you want to know the foundation type your property has? This should be included in its original building plan. You can request this plan from your municipality’s Building and Housing Inspection department. Keep in mind older building plans might differ from what was actually constructed.
Is there no construction drawing available? Then you can find out by having a foundation survey carried out.
"}}]},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What causes foundation problems?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"In the Netherlands, we’re facing an increasing number of droughts. This causes the groundwater level to drop, which may lead to the following:
Subsiding steel and shallow foundations
Rotting wooden pile foundations
Foundation damage may also be caused by things like bacterial decay (both above and under water), cohesion force, building or renovation defects and leaking drains.
"},"alignedImage":{"position":"right","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/0d73b3ba-be04-4e58-9acb-e0102c8040c3/Old-house-cracked-wall-spot","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/1c966b8fe6716056/original/Old-house-cracked-wall-spot.svg","extension":"svg"}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"Risk areas in the Netherlands","richBody":{"value":"The KCAF first identified problems in peat meadow areas and in places where wooden foundation pilings were used. In river areas and sandy soils, foundation subsidence due to drought is an emerging concern. Drought leads to lower groundwater levels, which both shallow foundations and wooden posts are sensitive to.
"},"textLinks":[{"url":"https://www.kcaf.nl/landelijk-loket-funderingsproblematiek/","text":"View the KCAF regional foundation damage report map"}]}]},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What should I do if I suspect foundation problems?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Subsidence and tilt, the street being higher or lower than the property, cracks in inner or outer walls, crooked floors—all signs that could point to foundation issues.
"},"alignedImage":{"position":"left","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/819460dd-43d9-4a13-b6fe-590d8c1e720f/womanskepticalfinger","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/4e6bb13b362e64c2/original/womanskepticalfinger.svg","extension":"svg"}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"KCAF’s step-by-step plan","richBody":{"value":"The KCAF has put together a plan to help you out. It details what you can do, step by step. From visiting the municipal archives for the property’s building plan to the survey all the way to the actual repairs.
"},"textLinks":[{"url":"https://www.kcaf.nl/wat-doet-het-kcaf/stappenplan-funderingsherstel/","text":"View the KCAF's step-by-step plan"}]},{"title":"Local municipal helpdesks","richBody":{"value":"In addition to the KCAF, local helpdesks can also offer direct support in identifying and dealing with foundation problems. You’ll find an overview of regions where this support is offered on the KCAF’s website.
"},"textLinks":[{"url":"https://www.kcaf.nl/lokale-loketten-voor-funderingsproblematiek/","text":"View municipalities with dedicated foundation problem helpdesks"}]},{"title":"The 'Woningcheck' (only available in Dutch)","richBody":{"value":"Do the 'Woningcheck' to get an indication of the foundation damage risk. A discount voucher for the ‘Woningcheck’ is now temporarily available with ING Points.
"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/particulier/hypotheek/woningcheck","text":"More information about the 'Woningcheck'"}]}]},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"How do I pay for foundation repairs?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Foundation repair costs may soar. Fortunately, there are several financing options. Think savings and/or a building deposit. You can also apply for a subsidy or special type of loan.
Good to know:
For most buyers, prevention is key. So here are a few tips:
Ask the seller (estate agent or owner) about the foundation’s condition before signing the purchase agreement . They’re obliged to disclose any problems.
The English text of the website is a translation of the Dutch original version. This translation is intended for the customers convenience only. In case of any discrepancies between the two versions, the original Dutch version shall prevail. The mortgage offer and contract will be signed in Dutch. Also, all further communication after signing the mortgage contract will be in Dutch. You acknowledge and accept this. If any assistance or clarification is needed, we recommend contacting your mortgage advisor or to call our customer service via the ING app.
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