Foundation and Drainage Evaluation for Southern California Properties

Cracks in walls, water pooling near the foundation, uneven floors, or soft spots in the yard are often signs of soil or drainage issues beneath the surface. GeoTed evaluates the underlying site conditions and provides practical recommendations on what's happening and what to do next.

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Common Triggers

Homeowners and buyers often contact GeoTed after noticing one or more of these conditions:

Cracks in interior walls, exterior stucco, or the foundation itself
Doors or windows that stick or no longer close properly
Uneven or sloping floors
Water pooling near the foundation or draining toward the structure
Soft, wet, or muddy areas in the yard after rain
Visible settlement or movement of hardscape — patios, driveways, or walkways
Erosion or soil loss near the foundation or on adjacent slopes

What GeoTed Evaluates

GeoTed's foundation and drainage evaluations address the geotechnical and geologic conditions at the site that may be contributing to observed problems. The evaluation does not include structural engineering but focuses on the soil and site conditions that drive foundation and drainage performance.

Soil type and expansion potential
Surface and subsurface drainage patterns
Evidence of soil movement, settlement, or lateral creep
Grading and drainage away from the foundation
Slope conditions adjacent to the structure
Observations relevant to foundation type and bearing conditions

What to Send GeoTed

Send the property address, a brief description of what you're seeing (cracks, water, movement, etc.), and photos if available. Mention when the problems started and whether they've changed over time. GeoTed will review site context and advise on scope and next steps.

Send Project Information

Service Area

GeoTed provides foundation and drainage evaluations throughout Los Angeles, Santa Clarita, Ventura County, and surrounding Southern California communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is foundation cracking always a serious problem?

Not always. Minor shrinkage cracks in stucco or drywall are common and often not structural. However, diagonal cracks at door and window corners, stair-step cracks in masonry, or cracks that are widening over time can indicate soil movement or foundation settlement that warrants investigation.

What causes foundation problems in Southern California?

The most common causes are expansive soils (which swell when wet and shrink when dry), poorly draining sites where water saturates soil near the foundation, undocumented fill that settles unevenly, and sloped lots where soil creep puts lateral pressure on foundations over time.

Can GeoTed tell me how to fix a drainage problem?

GeoTed can evaluate the geotechnical and geologic conditions contributing to drainage problems and recommend general approaches and next steps. Specific drainage design typically involves a civil engineer or landscape architect, but GeoTed's findings provide the site condition input they need.

Should I get a geotechnical evaluation before buying a house with cracks?

Yes — especially if the property is on a slope, has visible settlement, or shows drainage problems. A geotechnical evaluation during escrow gives you an independent assessment of whether the cracks reflect normal aging or something more significant.