Home Foundation Repair
A home foundation repair is a big investment. Therefore, it is extremely important that you choose the best company to do your repairs. It’s a good idea to do your homework before hiring a contractor for your residential foundation problem (or problems). Try to get at least three estimates from different companies; ask your neighbors and friends for recommendations; and check the Better Business Bureau for any complaints filed against the company you’re considering hiring. With a little research, you can make an informed decision about which company to hire for your residential foundation repair needs.
These simple tips will help you get the most out of your money and get your home fixed right the first time! Your first step should be to have a professional inspection of your home’s current condition by a licensed home inspector. This should be done before you sign any contracts with a Foundation Repair Contractor. The inspector should provide you with a written report of all problems found and the cost of repairs. After you’ve hired a Foundation Repair Contractor, the next step is to have your foundation thoroughly inspected before work begins. Be sure your contractor is experienced with foundations in your specific area, and has the proper licensing and insurance to perform the type of work needed.
Also, make sure your contractor is licensed to work in your state. Some contractors will try to cut corners by using subcontractors to do their work instead of hiring their own employees, which can void your warranty and leave you with a mess to clean up when the job is done.
Different types of foundation repair
Various methods are used depending on the nature of the problem. The construction of these homes was faulty, and the structural components were not made properly or were improperly installed. As a result, they are prone to sinking into the soil. This can happen to any type of soil including clay, loamy sand, and even bedrock. A home settling also can be caused by overloading the soil with too many buildings on top of it; this can cause it to settle unevenly and become unstable. Foundation problems can also be caused by poor drainage around the home that ends up saturating the soil. It can also happen when the house is built on a slope which does not allow for proper drainage of rainwater away from the home’s foundation. All of these are problems that require immediate attention because if they are not fixed immediately they can result in damage to the home, or even collapse in extreme cases.
How much does foundation repair cost
The average cost of foundation repair is between $3,000 and $8,000 for an average sized house (1500-2500 square feet). Costs will vary depending on the size of the house and the severity of the damage. For a small project of fixing minor cracks or gaps the foundation costs can be as low as $1,500; while for a large scale project that will require underpinning the house the cost will be between $5, 000 and $8, 000. Average costs may also be lower if the project includes replacing damaged portions of the floor slab of the home as well. This is usually included in the cost of underpinning the structure in order to restore it to its original level. These costs are estimates; the actual cost may vary depending upon factors such as the size and location of the home as well as the extent of the damage that needs to be repaired.
Methods for repairing a home foundation
Pouring Concrete Slabs. This type of method is used when the original concrete slab has been damaged beyond repair and needs to be replaced with new concrete. It is also used when the concrete slab has settled too much and is now out of level with the rest of the house. Underpinning is another method that can be used to raise a settled concrete slab back to its original position; this is a method that is typically used when the settling of the slab is minor and only affects a small part of the floor. This is the cheapest method of the two but also the most invasive as it will require digging underneath the home and inserting steel beams to support the sunken slabs.
Piers are used when there is a need to prop up the entire structure; piers are mostly used for older homes whose foundations are no longer sturdy enough to support the weight of the structure. Rebar is used to reinforce the structure; rebar is made of steel that is either hammered into the ground or placed through drilled holes; this is done to strengthen weak soil beneath the home and help support the structure for long term use. The basement must be excavated if this method is used; then a concrete footing is installed before pouring the concrete slab for the basement walls. This method is suitable for very large foundations; it may also be used for homes that have their foundations built entirely of brick.
Underground tunneling is also used to repair foundations of large structures such as schools, hospitals, and other large commercial buildings. This technique involves installing a system of support columns under the structure and then filling them with concrete for support; this method is used when the existing structure is too weak to be repaired any other way. This method is the most expensive of the lot but is the most durable option as it’s meant to fix the problem permanently; it is also the most effective for large structures like schools that need to remain open and running at all times.
Concrete blocks are usually used for exterior walls as they are stronger and more weather resistant than bricks. It is wise to check with your local building department to see what code requirements are needed in your area before starting any repairs to your home’s foundation. If the code requires a specific method for fixing a foundation, you should hire a contractor who is experienced in that method as they will be able to do a proper job faster and at lower cost.
For further information on how to fix a home that has sunk or damaged its foundation see xpertfoundationrepair.com or call (210)788-0687 to get assistance by a local expert.
