Not all foundation repair companies are created equal, and neither is the process of having your home inspected for foundation damage. Homeowners should have all of the facts before deciding how to repair their foundation, and that includes an understanding of what an inspection will look like when inspectors come to your home.
The first phase of a foundation inspection begins outside. The home should be measured and examined around the perimeter of your home. Inspectors will be looking for any warning signs of damage, including those sometimes overlooked by homeowners. Notations should be made of things such as brick separating from walls and window casings, cracks, deflection in grout lines, or other signs of foundation failure. These areas should be clearly noted on a drawing of your home for easy reference.
The second phase moves the inspection indoors. Foundation damage, if present, can create evidence both inside and outside of your home, and so both areas must be examined. From the inside, it’s very important to take floor elevations of the interior flooring in your home, taking into account different flooring types – carpet, wood, tile, etc. Some of your interior walls may be added to the drawing at this point and when combined with the flooring elevations, a complete representation of your home’s slab should begin to be evident.
In the third phase, the inspector will consider interior movement. This might include cracks in your walls and sheetrock, doors that no longer close, or separation of trusses, rafters, and joists in the attic. These are usually the issues that prompt a homeowner to call to a foundation repair company in the first place, but they are taken into account only in this phase of the inspection. One of the unique factors that must be considered when analyzing different elevations in a home is whether the differences are due to soil and slab movement or due to the fact that the concrete slab was not level the day it was poured. This requires a highly trained and knowledgeable inspector to determine.
And lastly, an inspector should be able to clearly outline for you any areas of foundation failure as well as areas that are merely the result of minor settling. Foundation repair is not always warranted, and often the structural integrity of your home is not at risk. Some cracks or settling may present cosmetic nuisances, but repairs may or may not be needed, and this should be clearly explained for you at this time.
However, if the inspector determines that your home is in need of foundation repair, it is very important to have a written estimate outlining the method of repair that will be used. There are several methods used in Texas, and like foundation repair companies, they are not all equal in terms of permanence or preference by structural engineers.
At Dawson Foundation Repair, we offer free inspections for home owners whose homes are not involved in real estate transactions. If you are seeking an inspection for that reason, we suggest you seek the opinion of a Structural Engineer with experience in residential slab foundations. However, for homeowners who are seeking the best solutions for their home, we offer our permanent, proven, and time-tested solutions for your home. Dawson Foundation Repair services homes and commercial businesses all over Texas. Call us today for a free inspection and assessment.