There are dozens of home foundation repair services out there to choose from. You can hire one of the many experienced contractors or go with a do-it-yourself option. Each option has its pluses and minuses. Ultimately, it comes down to choosing what best suits your needs and budget.
1. Do Your Homework
Hiring an experienced foundation repair company is a great way to get the job done right. However, not everyone will do a good job based on cost alone. A good home foundation contractors will offer you choices based on your budget and goals for the job. This tends to be quite a large-ticket home improvement item, so be certain to do your homework before you hire a specific local contractor.
2. Ask About Warranties
If you hire reputable contractors, you should still ask about warranties. Most reputable contractors will offer some type of warranty to protect you in case of a defect or damage. This is because many companies specialize in different types of work and they have developed methods of doing it that will not result in major defects or issues. In addition, most warranty providers offer great service and will help you make the most of your new foundation.
3. Special Training in this field
Another thing you should ask about when you hire foundation repair companies is whether they have any special training in this field. It can be tricky to hire someone without any training in this specific area.
Naturally, you want someone with the right experience and qualifications. However, some of the cheapest contractors may not have the right training or expertise to handle your specific home improvement project. Instead of hiring someone with little knowledge and background, hire an engineer or structural engineer to oversee all of your repairs.
4. Structural Engineer
A structural engineer has studied for years to learn about all of the foundations of commercial and residential homes. He knows how to thoroughly evaluate a home’s foundation, along with other vital parts of the building. He might even have some specific recommendations for repairing your home. If you hire an engineer, you will likely pay a little more than if you hire an independent contractor. However, an expert engineer will know the best ways to go about each part of the repairs, saving you time and money.
5. Foundation Repair Methods
Many people assume that foundation repair methods include concrete beam foundations. While it is true that beam foundations are popular, they are not the only types of foundation repair. Some other types of repairs, such as those that involve retaining walls or slab floors, require different tools and materials than beam foundations. This means that you will want to discuss your repairs with a trained engineer. Your chosen repair company should be able to help you with this aspect of the job. A quality foundation repair company should be able to provide you with a full list of all of their services, and a complete list of costs.
Concrete foundations are designed to hold the weight of a home’s structure. Because of this, foundation repairs sometimes require you to dig deep into the earth to reach the weaknesses in the soil surrounding your home. The problem with doing this is that the ground around your home could eventually cave in if it is not maintained. It is up to you to ensure that your home has the right foundation in place so that it will remain structurally sound for years to come.