The foundation of our homes has changed over time, becoming more detailed and advanced. The process of having to fix your foundation can be scary and cost a lot of money. It is important to remember that repairing your foundation does not mean that you are starting over. We are only fixing what is broken and leaving the good alone.
Foundation repairs will be necessary if you live in extreme climate changes. Seasonal droughts cause the soil beneath your house to shrink, while too much rain can cause it to swell, shifting the foundation as well.
Pricing- To Fix Your Foundation
The cost to fix a repair depends on how much work needs to be done. For example, if there are just a few minor cracks that can be repaired in a short amount of time the cost could be under $1,000. Some foundation repairs can cost as much as $25,000 or more. A lot of the cost depends on how many piers your home needs and the process it will take to install the piers where they need to go. There are other things that go into the total cost of repairing the foundation of your home. The process to fix a foundation can be anywhere between two to five days depending on what else needs to happen.
Additional Cost Factors
There are a few additional costs that figure into the total price of the foundation repair if piers are involved. For example, if the crawl space doesn’t look structurally sound, there will be extra charges to make the space more secure. There also may be additional charges if your crawl space isn’t large enough for the crew to work in. This means that the contractors will have to spend extra time to open up the space, giving them enough room to work.
Other than crawl space, there may be other charges that will increase your budget. If you can see cracks in walls or doors that no longer close, there are problems beneath that that have been ignored. Problems with the foundation that are ignored over time can cause the foundation to sink lower in those spaces, increasing your final bill. If you see any problems such as cracks in walls or bricks, separation of wood or bricks, give us a call at Allied Foundation for a free consultation and estimate.
Repair Type
The most common foundation repair relies on piers. Here at Allied Foundation, we have two options to choose from. Our first option is a Driven Concrete Pier, where solid concrete is driven down until it can’t go any further. Then hydraulic jacks are used to push the solid concrete and then the lift is secured by blocks and shims. The second option we have is a Pile Guard Pier. This option is hardened mold formed into polymers that connect concrete piles. Once in place, a positive alignment and interlock are assured for a lifetime guaranteed repair. Invest in soaker hoses to keep the foundation damp. This can help you avoid foundation repairs in the future.
Most piers are made out of steel or concrete and used to fix sinking foundations. It is important to consider affordability and what might be best for you. Concrete piers are cheaper compared to steel, but both are excellent to use.
What to look for
Here at Allied Foundation, we help ensure that your house is protected at all costs. Here are a few signs to look for in your home that may be caused by foundation problems. The most common to see is cracks in your home’s walls.
Foundation Type
The two most common types of foundation are stone and wood. As technology progresses, stone foundations have become more popular. A type of foundation created with wood is called poteaux-sur-sol foundation. This foundation is similar to the post-in-ground technique but is actually post on a sill. This technique has the home’s frame hanging off the post that rests on top of a sill. The sill connected to the foundation and provided support while also adding another layer between the home and foundation.
It is not only important to know the types of foundations but also the history of foundations. If you or somebody you know has concerns about your home’s foundations or has any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
