A shifting foundation might give gaps in the foundation, your wall, or your floors. These gaps can become a serious concern over time. Very small cracks in new builds are normal, but horizontal cracks indicate excessive settling. Vertical cracks are generally not serious. Cracks at an angle are the worst, often indicating significant movement. Also look for stair-step cracks in a brick exterior.
Large cracks can potentially allow water or insects into your walls or houses.

If one side of your house is lower than the other, you might find an issue. Sometimes people might notice this when they hang a picture on a center nail and discover it is significantly crooked. Settling is generally caused by moisture content varying on each side of the property; it’s normal for foundation to settle some, but differential settling can cause gaps and water damage.

Sudden sinking is an emergency issue that requires calling a contractor.

The reverse can also happen; soil changes under your house can cause your foundation to move upwards, causing vertical cracks. Both of these issues can cause the further signs listed below.

Sticking doors can be caused by a variety of things, including high humidity after heavy rain, warping of the door frame, or warping of the door. However, they can also indicate financial problems. The key sign is that these doors tend to stick or drag at the top. Humidity issues generally vanish after two or three days past the storm.

The reverse can also happen, meaning gaps developing around doors and windows and exterior doors not latching. This is particularly noticeable with double doors. The same issues can also affect windows that open or close.

Sagging and uneven floors can present a trip hazard over time, especially if you have small children or elderly individuals. This can be caused by an issue with the floor itself, but also by foundation movement or settling.

Properly-designed cabinets should be flush with the wall. If they appear to be tilting and pulling away, you almost always have foundation damage. This is a good thing to check if you are moving into a new home, allowing you to spot issues right away (of course, there’s always the chance they were not installed correctly in the first place).