4 Steps to an “Economic Foundation Repair”

Economic Foundation Repair

The following article 4 Steps to an “Economic Foundation Repair” is taken from myfoundationrepairs.com.  The article is useful when you have a complex foundation problem. Generally, we refer you to a professional 3rd party engineer if an agreement cannot be made on what repairs are needed.  A typical engineer will cost between $350 and $500, but is almost always worth the expense.

In these trying times of a recession, one doesn’t like to spend money on non-essential items. Buying a new 47” Vizio Flat Screen TV on sale is a non-essential item, having your why atlas foundation repaired is an essential item. Foundation problems do not fix themselves.  The signs of foundation problems might temporarily leave as the seasons change, but will return with greater possibilities of more damage. How can a homeowner receive an “Economic Foundation Repair”?  This can be accomplished by following four easy steps:

1.       Hire a Professional Engineer:
Why do you need a professional engineer?  You want a professional engineer first to look and assess your foundation problems. This will explain why it has happened and how to fix the problem. Therefore, when it is time to solicit bids for your project all contractors need to bid what is required by the professional engineer. How do you find a professional engineer?  Search Yellowpages.com or Yellowpages for heading Engineers, from here look under subheadings for Structural.

2.       Follow recommendations of the professional engineer:
Engineers are not doing work for the sake of doing work.  They have been trained in school as well as in the field of what is right or what is wrong.  How much experience do you have?  The recommendations should be carried out, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t question the reason why.  A good professional engineer will explain the reasons for the recommendations.   He or she is only looking out for the safety of you the customer and your home.

3.       Hire a professional contractor:
When hiring a professional contractor ask your professional engineer for referrals to call.  Get at least 3 to 4 quotes on the exact work the engineer has requested to be done. Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured with referrals of similar work.  Review and have the contractor explain all work he is quote.

4.       Proper Drainage:
After all work is completed, make sure you have the correct drainage completed.  This might involve new gutters, down spots, French drains, or foot drain and sump pumps.  The major contributing factor to foundation problems is water.  Make sure you get water away from you foundation as quickly as it appears.  If you take the steps in proper drainage you could save money down the road from having to get other parts of your foundation repaired.

As a homeowner, to get an economic foundation repair one must get professionals involved.  This will save you time and money in the long run by insuring your foundation is correctly repaired the first time. The contractor you have chosen should complete the work as directed by the engineer. It is then your obligation, as a homeowner, to make sure your house has the correct drainage.If you have questions on the correct drainage, be sure to ask your structural engineer. If you follow the 4 steps mentioned your success rate of economic foundation repair can be achieved, as well as, preventing future foundation problems elsewhere in your home.