There’s a lot of good that comes from owning your own home – I know having a space to call yours is important to a lot of people. Chances are though after you’ve owned your home for a while you’ve learned that a lot of repairs go on through the lifetime of a home.
Some repairs are simple and relatively inexpensive – replacing cabinet doors, or throwing a new coat of paint in your child’s bedroom, while others leave you clutching your chest like roof replacements and HVAC repairs.
One major repair you don’t want to have to endure is a foundation issue. Most times, you can notice warning signs before it happens. Here are a few things to know so that you can avoid a $30,000 bill.
#1 – Look For Cracks, Damage, and Other Signs
Perhaps the most important thing you could do is just take time to examine your foundation. It will make huge dividends to walk around your foundation every couple of months, especially in the summer. Trailing insects can hasten foundation deterioration so it’s important to plug any holes or hairline cracks you see. If you have a pier and beam foundation, check the crawlspace for signs of moisture, mildew and wood rot. These signs will show that there are issues, and hopefully, you can treat them before it’s huge repair. If you do have cracks in your foundation, then examine the size of the crack. It’s best to have cracks repaired while they are still small and new. It may cost you a little up front but will save you down the road.
#2 – Drainage is Key
The most common issue that comes with foundation repairs come from poor drainage. Too much water can cause your foundation to elevate and shift leaving you to pick up the pieces. If you’re worried that you may not be getting proper drainage, contact a foundation expert. Instead of repairing everything, they can install a surface or sub-surface drain making the life of your foundation longer.
#3 – Get Proper Inspections Yearly
Just like proper checkups can prevent health issues (or catch them early), having inspections on your home can make sure you avoid major repairs. For foundation repairs, we recommend having both foundation and plumbing inspected. Plumbing can leak and cause issues, and your foundation may have signs that you don’t catch. Most contractors will do this for you, at a relatively low cost. This can help you save time, money, and headaches in the future.
Find yourself a reputable contractor, and take the stress of foundation issues away!