Home foundation repair is one of those home repairs that most homeowners dread. If you are not careful, foundation repair can be a costly and time-consuming process. With foundation repair, it’s essential to do your research beforehand and hire the right company for the job.
In this blog post, we will discuss 11 common foundation problems that many homeowners face and how they might avoid them!
Working Without Licenses and Insurance
Homeowners often try to save money by hiring unlicensed or uninsured contractors. Consider the potential risk of contracting a fly-by-night worker when you are making a big investment in your home. You don’t want to have a botched job because you tried to save a few bucks. Foundation repair is a job that is best left to professionals. Foundation repair Pittsburgh has the necessary experience and expertise to finish the foundation repair work quickly, completely, and correctly.
Poor Planning and Communication
When you’re planning your project, make sure that you give yourself enough time to understand the scope of the work before beginning entirely. What may seem like an easy fix now could end up being a costly change order down the line.
Poor Masonry Workmanship
Another potential problem that could arise from a botched foundation repair is poor masonry workmanship, leading to additional damages and costs for homeowners. If you have experienced prior water damage or other problems, call an expert to look at the foundation before you make any foundation repairs. Foundation repair Pittsburgh professionals will inspect the foundation and address any issues that could lead to future damage.
Making Uninformed Decisions
When you are planning your foundation repairs, pay attention to all aspects of the work to make informed decisions later on. Look closely at the design of the foundation before it is repaired. It is better to make changes now rather than down the road once the foundation has been repaired.
Setting an Unrealistic Budget
Don’t underestimate the costs of foundation repairs. If you are not prepared to spend the money needed for your foundation repair, set aside some funds to cover these unexpected costs and make sure you call a professional to do the work. Foundation repair Pittsburgh PA professionals will ensure that your foundation is repaired the first time correctly.
Not Taking the Right Precautions
Don’t be tempted to get out a shovel and start digging around your foundation. This is a perfect opportunity to cause yourself more problems down the road. It is best to get the work done by a professional to know that you are not doing any damage if you are not experienced.
Not Using the Right Tools and Equipment
Be careful about using any tools or equipment near your foundation without consulting an expert foundation contractors Pittsburgh PA. Some of these tools, like jackhammers, may cause serious damage to your foundation if not used correctly. Make sure you only use the right equipment and tools for your project.
Below are the most important precautions you should take when working around the house:
- Do not open up walls or ceilings without first consulting an expert.
- Do not try to mix any chemical repairs with your foundation repair work.
- Make sure you set up temporary shoring before beginning your work.
- Be careful with power tools, like jackhammers.
- Do not smoke or use an open flame around your foundation.
- Ensure you wear the right protective equipment (protective eyewear, dust masks, hard hats) when working around your home. You don’t want to take any chances with this type of work.
Skimping on the Details
Let the experts handle the details of your foundation repair. You may think you know what you are doing, but if you have never done this kind of work before, it is best to leave it up to an expert who knows what they are doing. Foundation repair Pittsburgh professionals will construct a safe foundation that prevents future damage to your home.
Using the Wrong Foundation Repair Method
It is vital to use the right foundation repair method for your foundation. If you decide to perform your repairs, you can cause more damage and end up paying for the work twice. One important thing to keep in mind is that your foundation may be steel, poured concrete, or wood. Each of these types of foundations requires different repair methods. Do not try to fix your foundation until you know precisely what foundation you have.
Not Getting Professional Estimates
Finding a reputable Pittsburgh foundation repair company can be difficult, especially if you do not know where to look. Before hiring anyone to do any work on your home, ask for an estimate so that you can compare the prices. It is a good idea to ask for estimates from multiple companies so you can compare them and decide which one is best for your home.
Waiting Too Long
The longer you wait, the more damage will be done to your foundation. Fixing a foundation can be expensive because it typically involves replacing large sections of concrete that have been damaged. If you wait too long, you will end up with a worse foundation than when it started and may have to pay for a brand new foundation in the future.
Conclusion
One of the most important things to remember when working around your home is that you should never take any risks. Your foundation repair project may seem simple, but it can quickly become an expensive nightmare if not handled properly by a professional. Foundation repair Pittsburgh professionals will ensure every detail of your project is completed correctly and efficiently. This way, you know everything was done according to code, so there won’t be any surprises down the line regarding safety or durability issues.