Foundation Pros

If you think that the foundation of your house needs work, it’s important to understand the differences between a quick fix and a permanent solution.

 

The foundation of a large percentage of homes is destined to fail eventually. For example, these are items that can contribute to problems.

 

 

Subgrade soil: Your home may have been built on poor quality or poorly-prepared soil

Too much moisture: Excessive moisture will enter the subgrade

Erosion: Soils are eroding and/or moving

Drought: Prolonged drought conditions can cause the soil to compact and ’shrink’ away from your foundation.

 

Given the depth and magnitude of the issues, you must get an inspection from a qualified and reputable company to determine the problems. Then you need a solution that has long-term, possibly lifetime guarantees of success.

 

For an unstable foundation, some companies uses a helical anchor methodology to help lift, stabilize and level. Also, look for companies which don’t use subcontractors and also share its pier logs with customers. They demonstrate exactly what they’ve done and how deep they had to go on each pier. This transparency is extremely important so you know that your money is well-spent.

 

It also recommended that you seek a company that utilizes third-party engineers, who ensure that a sale is not the driving force behind the recommended solution for your foundation issues. Their expertise will provide peace of mind for you and a balanced perspective for your project.

 

There are many other indicators of foundation issues:

 

 

Bowed Walls

Eroded Walls

Bowed Floors

Fallen Slab Floors

Eroded Footers

Unstable Chimney

Fallen Porch Stoops

 

It is vital that your selected contractor has details on how to address these problems. Again, the helical anchor methodology helps lift, stabilize and level. This provides a permanent correction to your problems, ensuring that you won’t be calling a contractor.

 

It is also recommended to select a contractor with a long, established track record. Any guarantees or warranties are worthless if the company goes out of business. So, do a thorough background check and ask for references.

 

And, finally, it is critical that you have a warranty that is more than lip service. Some warranties aren’t transferable from owner-to-owner, which can hurt your home’s resale value. If at all possible, try to use one of the few companies that believe strongly enough in their service to offer you a FULL, Life-of-the-Structure warranty that’s transferable from owner to owner. Only then, can you have the complete confidence that you’ve invested wisely.

 

 

Author: Brien Shea

 

About the Author:

Fan of B-Dry Waterproofing    http://www.bdry.com

I’ve worked with B-Dry Waterproofing for years. Now I’m a customer! I moved into a house that had water issues. It was a nightmare, so I enlisted their service. What a life-changing experience. My basement’s dry now, my carpet doesn’t stink and my 3-year old daughter is safer. If you have any issues with a wet basement, go to B-Dry.com, enter your zip and request your FREE Home Inspection. You have nothing to lose. And, don’t worry, B-Dry will be honest. In a Dateline expose, they featured 3 waterproofing companies. B-Dry was the only one who was truthful and didn’t mislead the customer.

 

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