This is a question that most people do not ask themselves until it is too late. Problems with the foundation of your house should be taken very seriously, as they can be quite expensive to fix if you let them go unimpaired for long.
Cracks in your foundation are an obvious sign that it needs repaired. Basement water leaks are also a sign that you should be concerned about the structural integrity of your basement foundation. If you notice that the walls in your basement are buckling or bowing, it is time to call in a professional to get the problem taken care of immediately.
If you notice that your basement foundation is in need of repair, do not attempt to do this job yourself. It takes someone with great expertise, and you are likely to do more harm then good. You also run the risk of destroying the value of your house if you make a mistake trying to fix something as important as the foundation. A professional can get this problem taken care of, and install a foundation reinforcement if necessary.
Most of the problems with a damaged foundation comes occur when your basement is not properly waterproofed. Water leaks in where it does not belong and slowly starts to break up the basement walls. Even if you do not suspect a problem with your basement at the moment, it would be a wise idea to contact a basement waterproofing contractor to make sure you basement is properly protected.