If you only do one thing before you pick up the phone to call us, do this: take these photos.

I’m Lloyd, the owner of Foundations Pros of Winnipeg. Over the years, I’ve walked through thousands of basements across Southern Manitoba and West Ontario. I’ve seen everything from minor hairline cracks to walls that look like they’re ready to surrender to the gumbo clay. One thing I’ve learned? A picture isn’t just worth a thousand words, it’s worth hundreds of dollars in saved time and missed details.

When you send us the right photos, we aren’t just looking at “a crack.” We’re looking at your home’s story. We’re looking at the grading, the drainage, and how the Red River Valley soil is interacting with your concrete. It helps us arrive at your door with a plan, not just a clipboard.

Here is your 12-photo checklist to get an expert-level assessment before we even ring your doorbell.

The 12-Photo Foundation Checklist

1. Full Front of the House (The “Big Picture”)

Stand back at the curb or across the street. We need to see the entire face of your home.
Why: This tells us about the “grading”, the slope of the land. If your yard looks like a bowl, your foundation is the drain. We need to see how the landscape sits in relation to the street and your neighbors.

2. Downspouts and Extensions (Every Corner)

Take a photo of every downspout where it meets the ground.
Why: 10 reasons your weeping tile isn’t working often start right here. If that extension isn’t carrying water at least six feet away from the wall, your foundation is taking a bath every time it rains.

3. Low Spots or Pooling Near the Foundation

If you see a depression in the soil or a “pond” forming after a Winnipeg thunderstorm, snap a photo of it.
Why: This is a direct sign of soil consolidation or poor backfilling. That water is exerting hydrostatic pressure against your walls, which is the leading cause of structural failure in our region.

4. Window Wells

Get a top-down shot of your window wells.
Why: Are they full of leaves? Is the gravel visible? Is there a gap between the well and the house? Window wells are a common entry point for water when the drainage system fails.

Caption: A simple labeled diagram showing how water should flow away from the house vs. how it pools in window wells.

5. Basement Wall Wide Shot (The Problem Area)

Go downstairs and stand back. Take a wide-angle shot of the wall where you’ve noticed issues.
Why: We need context. Is the crack near a window? Is it near the corner? Seeing the “whole wall” helps us understand if the wall is bowing or if the entire house is settling.

6. Close-up of Crack with a Tape Measure

This is the “money shot.” Hold a tape measure or a loonie next to the crack for scale.
Why: A “big crack” means different things to different people. Knowing if it’s 1/16th of an inch or 1/2 an inch tells us if we’re looking at a simple repair or a major structural issue.

7. Efflorescence or Moisture Staining

Look for white, powdery crust (efflorescence) or dark damp spots on the concrete.
Why: Efflorescence is actually mineral deposits left behind when water evaporates. It’s a “ghost” that tells us where water has been, even if the wall is currently dry.

8. Floor Cracks or Slab Heaving

Don’t just look at the walls. If your basement floor looks like a topographical map of the Whiteshell, take a photo.
Why: We need to distinguish between foundation heave vs. settlement. If the floor is coming up, it’s a different fix than if the walls are going down.

9. Sump Pit, Pump, and Discharge Line

Show us the heart of your home’s defense system. Open the lid if it’s safe to do so.
Why: We want to see how hard that pump is working and where the water goes once it leaves the pit. If the discharge line just dumps water right outside the wall, it’s just coming right back in.

10. Utility Penetrations

Check where the gas line, water line, or AC lines enter the foundation.
Why: These are often the “path of least resistance” for water. If the sealant has dried out or the soil has shifted, these are prime leak spots.

11. Interior Corners (Drywall Cracks)

Head to the main floor. Look at the corners of doors and windows.
Why: If your foundation is moving, your drywall will tell on it. Diagonal cracks above door frames are a classic sign that the grade beam or piles might be shifting.

12. Any Recent Repairs

If a previous owner tried to “fix” it with a patch or some caulk, show us.
Why: Knowing what didn’t work is just as important as knowing what will. (Note: We specialize in permanent structural solutions, not temporary “band-aids.”)

Caption: A homeowner taking a clear, well-lit photo of a vertical foundation crack with a tape measure held alongside it for scale.

The “Do & Don’t” Safety Guide

Before you start your photo tour, keep these tips in mind. My goal is to keep your family and your home safe, that’s the whole reason we’re in this business.

DO:

• Use a Flash: Basements are notoriously dark. A blurry, dark photo doesn’t help anyone.
• Clear the Clutter: If you have boxes or a “mountain of memories” blocking the wall, move them aside. We need to see the concrete.
• Stay Safe: If there is standing water in your basement, DO NOT walk into it until you are 100% sure the power is off. Electricity and water are a deadly mix.

DON’T:

• Don’t Chip at the Concrete: If you see a crack, don’t try to “explore” it with a screwdriver. You might accidentally turn a slow drip into a gusher.
• Don’t Move Heavy Appliances Alone: If the problem is behind your washer or furnace, leave it. We can work around it or help move things safely later.
• Don’t Ignore the Smell: If it smells like “old basement,” there’s likely mold. Take your photos quickly and don’t spend hours breathing it in without a mask.

How to Send Your “Home Profile”

Once you’ve got your gallery ready, you can send them to us via email or text. To give us the best head start, please include:

1. Your Address: (So we can look at the soil maps for your specific neighborhood).
2. Age of the Home: (Construction methods changed a lot between 1920 and 2020).
3. Timing: When do you notice the issue? Is it only after the spring thaw? After a big rain?
4. The “Last Rain” Check: When was the last time we had a heavy downpour?

Caption: A collage of photos showing “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly”: comparing a healthy downspout to one that is flooding a foundation.

Why We Do Things This Way

At Foundations Pros of Winnipeg, we believe in hard work and being straight with our neighbors. My roots are deep in this community, and my faith teaches me that if you’re going to do a job, you do it right the first time.

When we talk about repairs, we aren’t just slapping a patch on a wall. Whether we’re underpinning your home or installing a proper exterior waterproofing system, we follow a strict method. For example, when we install exterior weeping tile, we place it exactly at the wall-to-footing connection. We then layer drainage rock against the foundation wall, starting at grade and tapering down to that tile. We don’t just dump gravel everywhere; we ensure the soil is sloped up and away, creating a clean, bone-dry result that keeps your basement safe for your family.

We want Winnipeg to be a city of solid homes and vibrant neighborhoods. Providing these photos helps us give you an accurate, honest assessment so we can get to work protecting your biggest investment.

Ready for an Expert Opinion?

If you’ve taken your photos and you’re ready to stop worrying every time the clouds turn grey, give us a shout. We provide free estimates and professional service across Southern Manitoba and West Ontario.

Don’t wait until that small crack becomes a big disaster. Gather your photos, give us a call, and let’s get your foundation back on solid ground.

Contact Foundations Pros of Winnipeg Today