Costs and Solutions to Home Foundation Repair
Home repair is often expensive and inconvenient, and it’s possible that one of the most problematic is home foundation repair. If you are faced with this problem you mustn’t ignore it. You must make the repair as soon as possible with the help of a residential structural engineer.
The foundation is the most important structural element in a house. The floors, roof and walls depend on a solid foundation to hold them up. If your foundation is sinking, splitting or sliding, your home will suffer serious structural damage that can reduce its value.
Causes of Foundation Damage
Most foundation repairs are caused by soil-related problems such as:
• Poor waterproofing• Poor compaction• Overloading• Excessive organic materials• Erosion• Expansive soils as a result of changes in moisture content
Under these conditions, stresses can damage your home’s foundation and overall often than not, the cause of the damage is poor construction practices by the home builder. Builders can cut corners to save on costs. In the process, the foundation is not as strong as possible. A footer may be too narrow or thin. A poured concrete wall may not be reinforced with steel. A concrete block foundation wall may not have been filled solid.
Solutions to Home Foundation Repair
If you need major repairs on your home foundation, you must call a residential structural engineer. Making a mistake in repairing the foundation of a home can lead to serious damage. Structural engineers can provide the solution to your home foundation problem. They can also recommend contractors who can do foundation repair work.
For minor repairs on the foundation, including small cracks, FixCrack or similar products can be used. However, if the task proves difficult or challenging, a professional who specializes in repairing home foundations should be consulted.
If damage to the foundation is serious, extensive excavation and powerful hydraulic lifts may be required to secure the foundation while repairs are made. This kind of repair work is very expensive but cannot be avoided. It may even be necessary to shut off the water and electricity for safety reasons.
Home Foundation Repair Costs
To determine the cost of home foundation repair, contractors must make an initial inspection and assess the damage. They have to determine how long it will take to repair the foundation. Cost estimates will depend on the materials used, labor component, and cause of the damage.
It’s best to get at least three estimates from different contractors to compare the cost. The cheapest estimate may not be the best option. You must consider the materials to be used, quality of work, and the contractor’s reputation. It’s better to pay more to get a better quality job.
Home foundation repair is extremely expensive. You may want to apply for a loan to cover this kind of home repair. You may also check if your homeowner’s insurance will cover part of the cost.
