How to Choose a Carrollton MO foundation repair company Make sure your foundation is secure Regardless of whether you're building a new home or renovating an existing home, you should ensure that your foundation is safe before choosing a company to repair it. A damaged foundation is not only costly, but could also devalue your property. It is easy and cheap to check the foundation's safety. First, always ask if the Carrollton MO foundation repair company has a history. A well-established business will be able back their warranties and have a track record. It is also possible to check out a business's local reputation. You should ensure that the workers are qualified and trained. Additionally, check to ensure that they use only quality materials and equipment. Horizontal cracks should also be checked. Because this is an indicator of major problems, it is crucial to check. These cracks are typically longer than 6 inches and will cause structural damage. Additionally, they can result from excessive water pressure or other external factors.
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Waterproofing is usually required by building codes for structures that are built at or below ground level. Waterproofing and drainage considerations are especially important in cases where ground water is likely to build up in the soil or where there is a high water table.
Water in the soil causes hydrostatic pressure to be exerted underneath basement floors and walls. This hydrostatic pressure can force water in through cracks, which can cause major structural damage as well as mold, decay, and other moisture-related problems.
Several measures exist to prevent water from penetrating a basement foundation or to divert water that has penetrated a foundation:
French Drain
Interior wall and floor sealers
Water seepage in basement and crawl spaces usually occurs over long periods of time and can be caused by numerous factors.
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10 Risk Factors That Can Damage Your Home's Foundation" rewritten as bullet points:
Overwatering: This can cause soil to expand in areas with unpredictable weather like West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, leading to pressure on the foundation and causing cracks in the concrete.
Plumbing Issues: Leaks, especially from the mainline, can seep into the surrounding soil, causing the foundation to shift abnormally. Signs include wet floors, unpleasant odors, unusual sounds, and high water bills.
Tree Root Growth: Overgrowth and water transpiration from tree roots can dehydrate the soil, causing the structure to settle and shift.
Invasive Landscaping: Planting trees and large bushes too close to the structure can lead to damaging root growth below a home. It's recommended to keep such plants at least five feet away from the structure.
Inadequate Drainage: Improper drainage can oversaturate the soil, destabilizing the foundation. Homes should have proper gutters and downspouts, and landscaping should slope away from the foundation.
Substandard Construction: Insufficient steel or inadequate concrete can weaken the foundation and cause shifting. It's important to hire reputable contractors to ensure proper building standards.
Unprepared Ground: The building pad should be compacted before construction to provide a strong foundation. An inadequate layer of topsoil is a common source of settling.
Seasonal Conditions: Dramatic weather changes can cause the soil beneath the foundation to swell and contract, potentially damaging the foundation. Regular inspections at each seasonal transition can help detect premature damage.
Remodeling Gone Wrong: Major remodeling projects can shift the balance of a house, causing the foundation to move and potentially damaging the concrete. It's important to consult with a trusted and certified contractor before making significant structural changes.
Poor Soil Conditions: Building on expansive clay soils that expand and shrink with changes in moisture can cause the foundation to settle and shift excessively.
The solution to these issues is to monitor your home keeping these factors in mind. If you experience one or more of these issues, it may be time to reach out to a professional for help.
Having a safe foundation is essential for your home. Even if you are renting, there are ways to prevent the foundation from becoming damaged. Regular watering your lawn is one simple solution. Water can weaken a foundation and can cause your home to settle in an uneven manner. You can also prevent tree roots from affecting your home's foundation by naturally sloping your yard away from your home.
You can also check reviews on Angie's List for foundation contractors to make sure your foundation is secure. Reviews on sites such as Angie's List can expose complaints and unprofessional business practices about foundation repair companies. Building inspectors can help you assess the company's reputation. They will direct you to reliable contractors that adhere to the building codes.
Also, make sure to check the warranty offered by foundation repair companies. Although warranties can be very valuable, they are only as important as the company that backs them. Be wary of small gaps or caveats within the warranty.
Check your license and check for insurance
It is essential to make sure that the company you hire can fix foundation problems. It may seem tempting to hire an unlicensed contractor at the start, but you might make the worst decision of your entire life. You may also want to consider a company that is certified by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.
To choose a qualified foundation repair contractor, look for their credentials, insurance, and licensing. A foundation repair contractor should be proud of their work and happy to provide references. Contractors who decline to give references should be avoided. You can find references online to see if past clients were happy with their work. Ask them questions about their crews. Ideally, they should be able to answer any questions about their work in a short period of time.
In addition to being licensed and insured, foundation repair companies should have good references. Referring to satisfied customers and customer reviews can be a great way to find reputable foundation repair companies. You can also contact previous customers to ask specific questions about the repair process. Make sure you only work with licensed, insured companies. You can also confirm these credentials by checking with the appropriate agencies.
Ask for proof of their insurance before you hire a foundation company. A large-liability insurance policy is a must for any company. You can ask to see a copy of the insurance policy, but make sure that it covers the work performed. You can ask for written guarantees if there are problems.
It's also essential to check if the Carrollton MO foundation repair company has a warranty. It shows that the company is confident in their work and is committed to the long-term health of your home. Warranty terms should always be written and it is important to clarify any terms.
Ask for a contract with a structural engineer
When choosing a Carrollton MO foundation repair company, it's important to look for one that has a good track record, and a long history of satisfied customers. Check with consumer protection authorities to see if there have been any complaints filed against the contractor in the past. It is important to avoid foundation repair firms that operate under multiple names, even if no complaints have been filed against them.
Professional engineers are trained to look for structural defects and make recommendations on solutions. They have a duty to protect their clients' interests. They are also legally required to put the interest of their employers first. A contract signed by a structural engineer will ensure that the foundation company you choose is competent. A professional license is also required to inspect foundations.
A structural engineer is an expert in foundation repair and can give you an expert's perspective on the best methods to lift your building. An engineer will also be able to explain all the benefits and risks involved in lifting your home. He will make sure that the lifting is safe and effective and that you get the best possible outcome.
The cost of hiring a structural engineer will vary, but most homeowners will spend around $300 to $650 for their services. The hourly rate for a structural engineer can range from $100 up to $150. They can help ensure your foundation is sound.
Foundation repair companies should have insurance and be licensed. They should also offer a warranty. A warranty is essential, but it's only as strong as the company that issued it. If you have any questions, a nationally-recognized company should be able offer follow up service or warranty service.
You should look for companies with at least 10 year experience
Before choosing a Carrollton MO foundation repair company, do extensive research to determine their experience level and references. Companies with more than ten years of experience are more likely to have experienced multiple industry shifts and have a proven track record. This type of work could cause serious damage to your house so make sure the company you select is licensed and insured. Also, ensure that references and certifications are available.
A reputable Carrollton MO foundation repair company will provide warranties for all their work and will also offer free inspections and estimates. They will also have an established process, and experienced engineers who can guide them throughout the entire project. Referring homeowners, who had foundation repairs done by the company in their own homes is another option. You don't want an ineffective repair to your home that costs a lot.
10 Risk Factors That Can Damage Your Home's Foundation" rewritten in tables:
Risk Factor | Description |
---|---|
Overwatering | Overwatering, especially in areas with unpredictable weather like West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, can cause soil to expand, putting pressure on the foundation and causing cracks in the concrete. |
Plumbing Issues | Plumbing leaks, particularly from the mainline, can seep into the soil surrounding a home, leading to abnormal foundation shifting. Signs of plumbing issues include wet floors, unpleasant odors, unusual sounds, and high water bills. |
Tree Root Growth | Tree roots can cause foundation damage by affecting the soil. Overgrowth and water transpiration can cause soil dehydration, leading to structural settling and shifting. |
Invasive Landscaping | Planting trees and large bushes too close to the structure can lead to root growth below a home, potentially damaging the foundation. It's recommended to keep such plants at least five feet away from the structure. |
Inadequate Drainage | Improper drainage can lead to soil oversaturation, making the foundation unstable. Homes should have proper gutters and downspouts, and landscaping should slope away from the foundation. |
Substandard Construction | Insufficient steel or inadequate concrete can cause weakness in the foundation and shifting. It's important to hire reputable contractors to ensure proper building standards. |
Unprepared Ground | The building pad should be compacted before construction to provide a strong foundation. An inadequate layer of topsoil is a common source of settling. |
Seasonal Conditions | Dramatic weather changes can cause soil beneath the foundation to swell and contract, potentially damaging the foundation. Regular inspections at each seasonal transition can help detect premature damage. |
Remodeling Gone Wrong | Major remodeling projects can shift the balance of a house, causing the foundation to move and potentially damaging the concrete. It's important to consult with a trusted and certified contractor before making significant structural changes. |
Poor Soil Conditions | Building on expansive clay soils that expand and shrink with changes in moisture can cause excessive settling and shifting of the foundation. |
The cost of foundation repair can vary significantly depending on factors like the location, size of the foundation, the extent of damage, and the chosen repair method. On average, foundation repairs can range from a few thousand dollars for minor issues to tens of thousands of dollars for extensive repairs or foundation replacements. It is advisable to obtain multiple quotes from reputable foundation repair contractors to get a better understanding of the costs associated with your specific repair needs.
If you notice any of the following signs in your house, it may indicate the need for foundation repair: significant cracks in the foundation walls, interior walls, or exterior brickwork; doors and windows that no longer close properly; uneven or sloping floors; or gaps around windows, doors, or where walls meet the ceiling or floor. It is advisable to consult a professional foundation repair specialist for a thorough evaluation.
The choice of foundation repair method depends on the specific foundation issue and its severity. Some commonly used methods include concrete piering, steel piering, helical piering, mudjacking or slabjacking, and carbon fiber reinforcement. Each method has its advantages and is suitable for different situations. It is recommended to consult with a professional foundation repair contractor to determine the most appropriate method for your specific needs.