How to Choose a Cameron 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. Fortunately, checking the safety of your foundation is a simple and inexpensive task. Ask for a track record of foundation repairs. 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. Also, ensure they only use high-quality materials and equipment. Horizontal cracks should also be checked. This is important because this type of crack is a sign of a major problem. 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.
A safe foundation is vital for the safety of 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 damage a foundation, causing your home to settle unevenly. You can also prevent tree roots from affecting your home's foundation by naturally sloping your yard away from your home.
Another way to ensure that your foundation is safe is to look for reviews of foundation repair contractors on sites like Angie's List. 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.
You should also check out the warranties offered by the Cameron MO foundation repair company. Generally, warranties are very important, but they only mean a lot if the company stands behind them. If there are small loopholes or caveats in the warranty, be wary.
Verify license and 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. A Maryland Home Improvement Commission-certified company might also be worth your consideration.
You should verify their qualifications, licensing, and insurance to ensure that you hire a competent foundation contractor. A foundation repair contractor should be proud of their work and happy to provide references. However, be cautious about contractors who refuse to provide references. You can find references online to see if past clients were happy with their work. Ask them questions about their crews. They should also be available to answer your questions in a reasonable 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. For specific inquiries about repair processes, you can contact past customers. Make sure you only work with licensed, insured companies. These credentials can be confirmed by contacting the relevant agencies.
Before hiring a Cameron MO foundation repair company, ask to see their insurance policy. A large-liability insurance policy is a must for any company. A copy of your insurance policy can be requested. However, ensure that the coverage covers work done. If there are any problems, you should ask for a written guarantee.
Also, it is important to verify that the warranty of any foundation repair service company is valid. This shows the company is invested in your home's long-term well-being and confidence. Also, warranties should be in writing, and you should ask about any terms that aren't clearly defined.
Ask for a contract with a structural engineer
When choosing a Cameron MO foundation repair company, it's important to look for one that has a good track record, and a long history of satisfied customers. To find out if complaints have been filed against the contractor, check with the consumer protection agencies. 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. Their clients' best interests are their duty. They are also legally required to put the interest of their employers first. Choosing a Cameron MO foundation repair company that has a contract with a structural engineer means that you can trust the company's expertise. In addition, a structural engineer will also have a professional license to carry out inspections.
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. The engineer can also explain the risks and benefits of lifting your house. He will make sure that the lifting is safe and effective and that you get the best possible outcome.
Although the cost to hire a structural engineer can vary depending on where you live, most homeowners spend between $300 and $650. 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. A nationally recognized company should be able to offer warranty service and follow-up service if you have questions or concerns.
Look for a company with at least 10 years of experience
Before choosing a Cameron 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. In addition, make sure that the company has the right certifications and references.
A reputable Cameron MO foundation repair company will provide warranties for all their work and will also offer free inspections and estimates. In addition, they will have a well-documented process and have experienced structural engineers to guide them through the project. You can also ask for references, including homeowners who have had the company perform foundation repairs in their homes. After all, you don't want to pay for an expensive repair that won't be effective.
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. |
In most cases, homeowners insurance does not cover foundation repairs resulting from normal wear and tear, settlement, or soil movement. However, if the foundation damage is caused by a covered peril, such as a plumbing leak or a sudden, unexpected event like a natural disaster, your insurance policy may provide coverage. It is advisable to review your specific insurance policy and consult with your insurance provider to understand what is covered and what is excluded regarding foundation repairs.