Q. What Should I Do If I Think I Have Foundation Problems?
A. If you suspect you have problems beyond normal settling and the occasional hairline crack here and there, I recommend that you first call a structural engineer before you call in a foundation repair company. I know several and will be glad to suggest a good one.
He’s an unbiased expert and his findings will help ensure that you get an honest appraisal, which can save you extra-unneeded expenses.
Have him survey your foundation and write you a report of his findings. (This will forever remain as a part of the records of your home. Anyone you sell your home to must be informed that you have a structural engineer’s report.)
For a slab foundation this report will cost about $150 to $250; the cost will be approximately $300 for a pier and beam foundation. Many engineers won't do pier and beam inspections because they're living and eating so well at $150 to $200 an inspection, they can't fit under a house anymore!
For your money you'll get an expert report recommending what work needs to be performed in order to remedy your particular foundation problem.
For instance, if you need piers and/or mud jacking the engineer will draw you a diagram of exactly where the piers and and/or mud jacking should go and in the case of piers, exactly how many piers you will need to complete the job.
If you ask, he will probably even recommend someone to do the work. In Texas if the structural engineer owns an interest in a foundation repair company that he recommends, he must reveal that information to you. Most structural engineers don’t in order to avoid a clear conflict of interest.
The yellow pages are full of foundation repair companies. They are all in the business of fixing foundations. The more work that they convince you that your home needs, the more money they make. The placing of piers is "a la carte". The more piers you need, the more expensive the job.
Therefore, it makes sense to use a third party structural engineer to assess your individual situation and determine what is needed to do the job correctly. With that information in hand you can call several companies and have them bid on the engineer's specific recommendations. I will be glad to recommend a reputable company. You will probably save money, you will have piece of mind, and you'll have a structural engineer's report that will show a future buyer what work was needed (if any) and receipts from the foundation company that show the work was performed!
Got Questions? I’ve Got Answers!
Send me an email and I’ll gladly respond.
Put “DENNIS, I NEED HELP” in the subject line.
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