Some movement in a home’s foundation is normal, so the real concern is knowing how much is too much. Acceptable foundation movement is up to about 3/4 of an inch, depending on the age of the home. At about 1 inch and beyond, it is time to consider repairs. Below, our team explains how a home’s age affects these numbers and which repair options come into play past the 1-inch mark.
What Counts as Acceptable Foundation Movement?
As foundation repair specialists, our team judges movement by how far a home has shifted and how old it is. These numbers are a guide, and we evaluate each home case by case.
Up to 3/4 of an Inch is Generally Acceptable
The exact limit within this range depends on the age of the home. A newer home and an older one may not be held to the same number.
Older Homes Can Show More Movement
Some older homes, around 90 years old, may have about an inch of movement. Age plays a big role in how we read that number.
Pro Tip: Keep your home’s age in mind when you think about foundation settling. The same measurement can mean different things in an older home and a newer one.
When Foundation Movement Calls for Repairs
Past the 1-inch mark, our team starts looking at repair options. Each home still gets its own assessment before we recommend a fix.
Foundation Movement at a Glance
This table shows how we look at different amounts of movement.
| Amount of movement | What it typically means |
| Up to 3/4 of an inch | Generally acceptable, depending on the home’s age |
| About 1 inch in older homes (around 90 years old) | May occur; we assess it case by case |
| About 1 inch and beyond | Time to consider repairs |
Repair Options Beyond Acceptable Foundation Movement
When movement reaches about 1 inch or more, repairs may include:
- Restraints
- Piering
- Concrete work
The right repair depends on the home and how it has moved.
Need expert help with foundation movement? Contact Olson Foundation Repair for a free consultation.
Get a Professional Opinion on Your Foundation
A small amount of movement is normal, and your home’s age plays a big role in how much is acceptable.
Recap: How Much Movement is Too Much
- Up to 3/4 of an inch of movement is generally acceptable, depending on the home’s age.
- Some older homes, around 90 years old, may have about an inch of movement.
- At about 1 inch and beyond, it is time to consider restraints, piering, or concrete work.
Find Out Where Your Home Stands
If you are unsure where your home stands, our team can give you a professional opinion. Request a free consultation with Olson Foundation Repair today to find out whether your home’s foundation movement is acceptable.
