Foundation Label

9 October 2025

SealteQ

Foundation

A foundation label provides (in the future) insight into the condition of a home's foundation. Although the system has not yet been officially introduced, work is already underway on a national approach to foundation problems. The foundation label is expected to become a tool in the future when buying or selling a home, similar to the energy label.

The foundation label is an initiative under development and aims to assess the condition of foundations in a standardized manner. This should provide clarity to buyers, sellers, mortgage lenders and other stakeholders. Although the label does not yet officially exist, policy-level work is being done to introduce it. In February 2024, the Council for the Environment and Infrastructure (RLI) advised the government via the report “Well Founded” to introduce this label, due to the scale of foundation problems in the Netherlands.

Until then, recognized specialists, such as SealteQ, can carry out a foundation investigation that provides insight into the technical condition of a foundation.

Foundation problems are common, especially in areas with peat and clay soils. Wooden pile foundations can be weakened by drought or pile rot. A low groundwater level – for which homeowners themselves are responsible – can also lead to subsidence or cracking. Without good insight into the condition of the foundation, these risks can cause unpleasant surprises when selling or renovating.

Although you cannot apply for a foundation label at this time, you can have a foundation investigation carried out. SealteQ is affiliated with the KCAF (Knowledge Center for Foundation Problems), an independent knowledge institute that is committed to improving the approach to foundation problems in the Netherlands. The KCAF has drawn up guidelines for foundation investigations that have now been adopted by the government.

A foundation investigation looks at, among other things:

Soil conditions and soil type
Historical subsidence in the area
Visible damage to the house such as cracks
Groundwater levels and water management

Based on these findings, we draw up a report that clearly shows the condition of the foundation and what measures may be necessary. If necessary, we carry out foundation repair in the form of cellar sealing or concrete injection to solve the foundation problems.

A foundation investigation is recommended in the following situations:

- Sale of a property: As a seller, you must report the situation if there is a known foundation problem. An inspection report gives potential buyers confidence.
- Purchase of a property: Before you buy a property, it is wise to know the risk profile in terms of the foundation.
- Visible damage or subsidence: In the event of cracks or leaning, an investigation is often necessary to determine the severity and cause.
- Mortgage application in risk areas: Some lenders may require additional investigation.

What are the Benefits of a Professional Foundation Investigation?

Objective insight: you know exactly what the technical condition of the foundation is.
Cost estimate: you gain insight into possible repair measures and associated costs.
Value development: with a good foundation you have a strong selling point; in case of problems, you can take proactive measures.

SealteQ carries out foundation investigations according to the KCAF guidelines and advises on both preventive and corrective measures. Whether it concerns assessing the current condition or mapping out possible repair work, we are happy to help you with expert advice.

With our years of experience, affiliated work companies and integrated quality assurance, you are assured of a reliable assessment and a professional plan of approach.

Please contact us for a free inspection or consultation about the foundation of your home.

Foundation repair canal Almelo de Haandrik

Heavy steel structures and machine foundations are more stable and stronger when the forces released are better distributed across their substrate. This also applies to the structures of a new nitrogen factory in Zuidbroek, Groningen. SealteQ Noord was commissioned to undergrout all steel structures and machine foundations of the factory. An enormous task that requires significant flexibility in planning.

In a recent project in Daalerveen, SealteQ SLS specialists played a crucial role in the foundation repair of a building that had suffered extensive damage due to uneven settlement and a partially collapsed foundation. The issue with the home's foundation required a well-thought-out approach to prevent further damage while minimizing disruption to the residents during the foundation repair operation.

An increasing number of houses in the Netherlands are experiencing foundation damage. The causes vary, but the problem is significant and continues to grow. It is estimated that approximately 1 million homes in the Netherlands may face foundation problems. This information can be found on the website of the Knowledge Center for Foundation Problem Solutions (KCAF): www.kcaf.nl.

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