how to choose a foundation repair company

What type of foundation repair is best?

1. Steel Piers. This is the foundation repair that most structural engineers will recommend for your home. This is a solid and proven method of stabilizing a foundation that has started to shift or sink into unstable ground.

Is repairing a foundation worth it?

Or perhaps you are considering purchasing a home with a busted foundation or even a recently fixed foundation and you want to know if it's worth the investment. The truth: foundation repair always increases home value. A failed foundation can detract anywhere from 10% to 20% of your home's total value.

What should I look for when checking foundation?

Look for areas that bulge or lean which can indicate uneven load on the foundation. Both the foundation walls and home walls should be flush and level. Also look for any potential water damage or cracks in concrete. Standing water can cause soil to shift and wood to rot which can lead to serious damage.

How much does it cost to check your foundation?

How much does foundation inspection cost? In most cases, the average cost is $400 to $750. However, that can increase to a range of $1,000 to $3,000 and up. Large or complex properties typically cost more than average since inspecting and completing a detailed report takes more time.

Does Foundation Repair cause other problems?

Foundation repair companies use the utmost care in raising and stabilizing homes. Unfortunately, residual damage isn't uncommon and you can't count on all cracks to close. In our experience, in about 70% of cases the cracks come together, 20% the cracks stay the same, and the rest worsen.

When should you walk away from foundation issues?

The most glaring issue has to deal with the foundation. When to walk away from foundation issues? Horizontal or diagonal cracks measuring more than 1/4 of an inch is a good reason to walk away.

Do most older homes have foundation problems?

In general, the older your home is, the more likely it is that foundation problems will develop at some point. The craftsmanship of the time and the materials used to lay the foundation are important factors in determining how long it will last. Poor-quality work and materials just don't have staying power.

How do you tell the difference between settling and foundation problems?

The Difference Between Foundational Settling and Problems With soil expansion and contraction, it is normal for a part of a building to move a few inches. A foundation problem, on the other hand, is a more serious matter and should be monitored with extreme caution.

Can a house collapse from foundation issues?

The first question that comes to mind is, can a house collapse from foundation issues? The answer is yes, however, it is also not that simple. It can take years to develop a serious foundational issue that would cause your home to collapse. In most cases, if it does, it's concentrated on a specific area of the home.

What are signs of foundation issues?

Here are 10 warning signs of foundation problems:Exterior Cracks. ... Interior Sheetrock Cracks. ... Doors Out of Square and Uneven Floors. ... Door Frame/Window Frame Separation from Brick. ... Rotten Wood – Pier & Beams. ... Bouncing floors – Rotten Wood. ... Tile Cracks. ... Expansion Joint Seperation.More items...•

How much does it cost to jack up a house and pour a new foundation?

The costs of raising the foundation of a home may vary depending on the complexity of the project. The minimum costs of house lifting can range between $300 and $850, while the average costs range between $3,465 and $5,808. Extensive projects for raising a home could reach a maximum of $14,000.

How do you know if a foundation crack is serious?

When to worryCracks that are wider than 1/10 inch.Cracks that are wider at one end.Cracks that are getting bigger over time.Stair step cracks in brickwork.Horizontal foundation cracks, with or without bowing.Several vertical cracks near each other.Big, diagonal cracks.Cracks that go across the ceiling and down a wall.

Can foundation problems be fixed permanently?

There are many different methods of repairing a home's foundation, and most of them are considered permanent solutions. However, just because a foundation repair is considered permanent does not guarantee that you will never have issues with your foundation again.

Can you live in a house while the foundation is being repaired?

Many homeowners want to know if they can remain inside their homes throughout the duration of their foundation repair. The answer is “yes.” You can stay inside your home; no need to check your family into a hotel or stay with relatives.

Why are foundation repairs expensive?

The larger the house, the more equipment and materials will be needed for the repairs. Larger homes are typically more expensive to repair since they weigh more and are more structurally complex. If hydraulic piers need to be installed, the larger the house, the more piers will be required to support the foundation.

Do foundation problems always get worse?

Foundation problems get worse and cause more damage throughout your home over time. This means the cost for repair not only on your home's foundation, but on the additional damage it causes, only increases with time.

Step 1: Talk to People You Know

Word of mouth is one of the best ways to learn about trustworthy repair companies. Friends and neighbors who live in your area are a great resource. While soil properties can vary widely, it’s likely that people in your neighborhood have experienced some of the same issues you have.

Step 3: Verify Their Credentials

Once you have a short list of contractors, verify that they are accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Not only do they have reviews from customers, but you can also view any possible disputes the BBB has helped customers resolve. This will give you an opportunity to see how (and if) the contractor responds to these complaints.

Step 4: Customer Service is Key

When you call or email to schedule an in-home appointment with a company, take a few notes. Not like you’re studying for an exam; just pay attention to how you’re spoken to, and how you’re treated.

Step 5: The Home Inspection Should be Thorough

If your problem is in the crawl space of your home, you probably won’t be able to join the company representative while they perform all of the inspection. But you should be able to observe them as they check out the rest of the house.

Step 6: How Does The Business Process Work?

When you sit down to discuss the results of the inspection, does the company representative clearly explain what they’ve found? Do they review options with you, and provide specific costs and details?

Step 7: Listen to Your Gut

It may not be scientific or strictly rational, but it’s excellent advice. If the company representative promises too much, pushes too hard, or assures you everything will be exactly like it was before? You have a right to be cautious.

Are You Ready to Schedule an In-Home Assessment?

If you live within our service area, please call Acculevel at 866-669-3349. You can also complete our on-line form, if you’d prefer to communicate electronically. We will schedule an appointment for you with one of our friendly and experienced project advisors.

Payment Terms

Not only should you look and compare the price of the different foundation repair companies, but you should also look at their payment terms. By carefully going over the different contracts and understanding the payment schedules, you are properly educating yourself on the financial aspects of the different companies.

Look at Their Warranty

This is huge! Make sure you go with a company that has a warranty. If companies don’t have a warranty, this is a huge question of the quality of their work. When a warranty is offered, it is a direct statement that they are backing up their work and the quality of it—which again is HUGE.

About the Author: Austin Werner

Austin Werner is the Owner of The Real Seal LLC, a basement waterproofing and foundation repair company. Austin believes that having a highly trained and happy team is the key to success. This is reflected through hundreds of 5 star customer reviews his company has received online.

Why is a foundation important?

Your home’s foundation is arguably the single most important aspect of your entire property. It literally supports your home and keeps your family safe. While things may seem bad if you’re currently experiencing an issue, they’ll only get worse if you choose the wrong foundation repair company to “fix” your problems.

What does a history of going back and fixing warranty issues tell you?

First, no history of going back and fixing warranty issues could tell you that they don’t keep their word. Second, a long list of warranty issues tells you that they don’t do the work right the first time around.

What does a warranty tell you about a contractor?

Warranties. A warranty can tell you a lot about a contractor, but remember that these promises are only good if the company actually stands behind them. Some contractors will throw in small loopholes and caveats that make it nearly impossible to get them to come back out and fix the problem.

Can you understand concrete slab repair?

While you may not understand the intricate details of how concrete slab repair work is performed, it’s imperative that you ask questions and understand how the job will be completed, when it will be completed, and how much it will cost you.

Can you pick a contractor you like the most?

Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as picking the contractor you like the most. While this is an aspect, your choice hinges on a lot more than a good smile and firm handshake.

Can you afford to work with a foundation repair contractor?

As such, you can’t afford to work with a contractor that doesn’t have the appropriate coverage.

1. Experience

This is definitely one of the most important considerations. Look for a company with many years (5+) in business and performs hundreds of jobs per year. Also, request to see references from previous customers – do not take their word for it.

2. License and Insurance

Another important factor is ensuring that the company you choose has all of the necessary licenses and insurance. This might seem unnecessary at first glance, but it can protect you if something goes wrong during the foundation repair process. Licensed contractors must also carry insurance, so you know that you can trust them if they have it.

3. Check for Reviews

Don’t just check the Better Business Bureau website when choosing a company. Also, search for reviews on Google and Yelp and any other review websites you may find. In addition, check for any complaints on the BBB website. If they have a long history of complaints, it may not be good to hire them.

4. Get it in Writing

It is incredibly important for you to get a written contract when hiring a foundation repair company. This should include the specifics of the job, including how much it will cost, deadlines, and details about payment. Make sure that any promises or guarantees are also included in writing – this way, you know that they can be trusted.

5. Have it Done Right

This may seem like the most obvious piece of advice on this list, but you’d be surprised. Make sure that your foundation repair company uses the proper materials and techniques to do the job right. Otherwise, it will come back to haunt you when you see cracks appearing in your foundation again (after they’ve already repaired it).

Do They Offer a Warranty?

A warranty is more than a piece of paper you throw in a desk and forget about. If a company doesn’t offer a warranty, that is a big red flag that they may not do a good job nor care about your home.

How Long Have They Been in Business?

We know that everyone has to start somewhere, but do you want a rookie practicing on your home? Not only does a company that has been in business for a long time have more experience, but it also shows that it will probably be around long after the work is done.

Check Client and Building Inspector Reviews

There are plenty of places that you can read reviews of businesses. Yelp, Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor, and BBB are just some that come to mind. You will be able to read about consumers’ interactions with contractors and find out if there are any recurring problems or praises.

What Are Their Payment Terms?

Make sure the contractor has clear payment terms. You don’t want amounts to change during the project. Another warning sign is if the contractor wants to be paid in full before the project is completed.

See Licenses, Affiliations, and Credentials

Never hire an unlicensed contractor. The license is just the minimum requirement for a contractor and if they can’t even accomplish that, imagine what kind of work they’ll do!

Make Sure They Have the Required Permits

One way that some contractors can offer lower prices than others is to avoid obtaining the required permits. A permit means that a building inspector will need to stop by and make sure the project meets building codes.

How Does the Contractor Do Business?

This is a tip to keep in mind once you have narrowed your choices down to a few contractors. They have probably made your shortlist because they seem to be competent and experienced, but there are other things to keep in mind.

5 Things to Look For in Concrete Slab Repair Contractor

Years in Business

• The first place to start is by looking at the number of years a contractor has been in business. This experience is important for two reasons: 1. Experience. The first reason you want to pay attention to the number of years a company has been in business is pretty obvious: experience. As with any job, the longer you’ve been performing a task, the m...

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References and Insurance

Warranties

Referrals and Testimonials

Cost and Time Estimates

Contact Edens Structural Solutions Today

Experience

License and Insurance

• Another important factor is ensuring that the company you choose has all of the necessary licenses and insurance. This might seem unnecessary at first glance, but it can protect you if something goes wrong during the foundation repair process. Licensed contractors must also carry insurance, so you know that you can trust them if they have it.

See more on dalrockfoundation.com

Check For Reviews

Get It in Writing

Have It Done Right