Year: 2018

3 Important Qualities of a Reputable Foundation Contractor

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Finding the right contractor for any kind of home repair or renovation project can seem like a daunting task. But when you are familiarized with key qualities you should always expect from the best contractors, finding the right professional for the job becomes a cinch! In this post, we’ll introduce you to three important qualities every reputable foundation contractor possesses.

3 Important Qualities of a Reputable Foundation Contractor

  1. Experience: The last mistake you want to make is hiring a foundation contractor who has absolutely no experience. For the sake of your home and the safety of everyone in your home, it’s important to find a seasoned foundation contractor. One way to gauge a contractor’s level of experience is by talking to their references, asking them about their specialized skills, and reading customer testimonials online. Along with experience, a reputable foundation contractor should be able to provide their credentials such as a certificate of insurance, a license, and other important documents that prove they are legally operating in the state.
  2. Integrity: Unfortunately, there are far too many contractors in the world who don’t have their clients’ best interest at heart. They have no qualms about dishonestly overcharging or even leaving projects unfinished. The best foundation contractors have integrity and a solid reputation in the community. Once again, you can determine a contractor’s level of integrity by asking other clients about their experience with that contractor.
  3. Excellent Listening And Communication Skills: Great foundation contractors are great listeners and always prioritize the needs, concerns, and questions of each client. They won’t gloss over important information and they won’t evade questions. A reputable foundation contractor will take the time to address all of your concerns before starting a project and happily discuss matters with you should you have questions during the project.

Are you looking for a great foundation contractor? Contact us today!

Why You Shouldn’t Put Off Off Home Foundation Repair

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Most homeowners would prefer to not face surprise expenses, especially the potentially major ones that come with foundation problems. The temptation will be to postpone home foundation repair for as long as possible. With a damaged foundation, ignoring the problem is one of the worst things that you can do. It will not go away and there is a good chance it could get a lot worse.

Why You Shouldn't Put Off Off Home Foundation Repair

Here are some of the issues that you may face if you procrastinate when it comes to home foundation repair:

  • The Cost of the Repairs Keep Going Up

A damaged foundation is not like a broken appliance. With a broken washer or dryer, you can stop using it until you fix the problem. The damage will not continually get worse or any more expensive over time. With a foundation that is in need of repair, the associated costs can escalate significantly the longer you wait. In other words, you will save money the earlier you spot and start to fix the problem.

  • Damage That Spreads Throughout the Structure

Consider the importance of your foundation in your home’s structure. When a foundation is weakened, all other parts of the building are affected. That damage is likely to worsen the longer the foundation problems are ignored.

  • Damage From Water

Where there is foundation damage, water damage usually follows. Once a foundation begins to crumble or crack, the likelihood of water seepage goes up.

  • Damage to Plumbing

One of the main issues with foundation problems is the effect that it has on water pipes installed below the foundation. Pipes under the slab may be difficult to access, which means that they will also be expensive to fix.

If you are a homeowner in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area who is dealing with a damaged foundation, contact us today to learn about home foundation repair. We can conduct an inspection and recommend a course of action once we have determined the problem’s scope.

Water Foundation Damage: Its Causes and How to Spot, Prevent, and Repair It

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Is your foundation suffering from water damage? Water is a common culprit when it comes to foundation damage, especially in climates where heavy rain and flooding is common. Here are some tips on how to spot and repair water foundation damage.

Water Foundation Damage: Its Causes and How to Spot, Prevent, and Repair It

How Water Damages Your Foundation

There are a few ways water can cause damage to your foundation:

  • It can cause wooden parts of your structure to rot.
  • It can cause the soil under your foundation to erode or shift over time. This causes a lack of support for your foundation, which leads to shifting and cracking.
  • Moisture can cause the soil around your foundation to expand. This puts pressure on your foundation, leading to cracking.

Warnings Signs of Water Damage

Here are some common signs of foundation damage caused by flooding or moisture:

  • Cracks appearing in the walls and floors of your basement.
  • Walls bending or sagging, either inward or outward.
  • A musty odor that doesn’t seem to leave your basement.
  • The appearance or the odor of mold or mildew.
  • Discoloration of your walls, wallpaper that is peeling off, or a carpeted floor that becomes moist and spongy.

How to Prevent Water Damage

Some climates and areas are more prone to water damage. However, you can decrease the likelihood of it occurring in several ways:

  • Maintain your gutter regularly so that it properly drains water away from your home.
  • Employ drainage methods to keep rainwater away from your foundation.
  • Maintain your pipes to prevent them from bursting and flooding your home.

What To Do If There Is Water Damage

If you suspect that your foundation may be damaged as a result of flooding, contact us right away. Our professionals will inspect your foundation to check for any damage. Excess moisture will be removed, and the foundation will be strengthened and repaired.

Is Your Foundation Sinking? How to Spot a Sinking Foundation

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One type of foundation damage homeowners might face is a sinking foundation. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to spot. Here are some useful tips to answer your question: Is your foundation sinking?

Is Your Foundation Sinking? How to Spot a Sinking Foundation

What Causes a Sinking Foundation?

A foundation can start sinking if it was laid improperly by the contractor. It can also occur if it was laid on soil that is not stable. Soil will level and change over time, and it must be stable enough to uphold the foundation for an extended period of time.

How Can You Spot a Sinking Foundation? 5 Signs to Look For

Here are some warning signs that may indicate a sinking foundation:

  1. Uneven floor: This is a more extreme example, but if the foundation is sinking deep enough, your floor may become visibly uneven.
  2. Cracking walls: If the walls near your foundation are developing cracks, especially if these cracks are appearing long after the house was built and are continuously worsening, then they may be caused by the pressure put on the walls from a sinking and uneven foundation.
  3. Sagging walls: The walls may bend outward or inward.
  4. Stuck doors or windows: If your doors and windows get jammed, it might be because the floor is uneven, even if you can’t see it.
  5. Puddles: Puddles near the base of the foundation.

The Importance of Dealing With the Problem Quickly

Not dealing with a sinking foundation right away will cause many problems later on. The foundation will continue to sink and lead to structural damage to the entire home.

How to Deal With a Sinking Foundation

There are several methods of dealing with a sinking foundation. These methods, employed by professionals, are designed to strengthen the soil and provide additional support to the foundation.

If you suspect that your foundation may be sinking, call a professional to conduct an inspection right away. Contact us for more information.

Tips on Choosing a Foundation Contractor in Your Area

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If you believe that you have foundation damage in your home, then it is important that you have this damage fixed by a foundation repair specialist as soon as possible. The fact is that your home’s foundation is one of its most vital structures as it supports your home and keeps your family safe. If you ignore this problem the damage will only get worse, resulting in more costly repairs down-the-road. However, this does not mean that you should rush and choose the first contractor you come across. Choosing the wrong contractor could make your problem worse than it already is, making it important that you take your time and choose a quality repair specialist. Here are a few tips to help ensure that you pick the right foundation repair specialist to work on your home.

Tips on Choosing a Foundation Contractor in Your Area

Do Your Research

The most important thing for you to do when looking for a foundation contractor is to take your time and do your research. Do a search of foundation specialists in your area, and look to see if they have any reviews, complaints, or testimonials regarding their work. However, even in the internet age word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find quality contractors. Consider asking friends, family, and neighbors if they know any specialists they would recommend. Getting a recommendation from someone you trust is often the best way to find a quality foundation repair company.

Check For Licensing and Insurance

Due to the fact that foundation repair is an intensive process, it is important that you choose a qualified repair technician who is properly licensed and insured. When you begin talking to/meeting with contractors you should ask to see their proof of licensing and insurance. You do not want to let someone who is unqualified, and uninsured, work on your home, as they may leave you with more costly damage than you started with.

Do They Guarantee Their Work?

It is also critical for you to ask whether a contractor offers any kind of warranty or guarantee of their work. If a contractor offers a comprehensive warranty, this is often a sign that they have faith in their work and are willing to make corrections if repairs are not completed right the first time. You do not want to work with contractors who do not offer any kind of warranty, as this often indicates the low quality of their work.

Contact us for more advice on what you should look for when searching for a quality foundation repair specialist.

Managing the Liability of Uneven Concrete

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Concrete cracks often occur due to expansion or contraction of soils beneath the slab. Due to the rigidity and brittle nature of concrete, when soils below washout or contract overtime, they can cause a void and the concrete will crack and settle, causing a transition on the surface above. Such transitions not only tend to worsen over time due to more moisture traveling through the crack, but can become a serious trip hazard for pedestrians, leaving the property owner with a liability risk for injury. Time was when there was little recourse when this occurred beyond a costly demolition and replacement job that often included removing soils below and replacing them with compact-able materials. When is comes to  managing the liability of uneven concrete these are a few things to consider.

Managing the Liability of Uneven Concrete

Now, thanks to Steady House Foundation Repair, property owners in the greater Dallas-Ft. Worth areas have much more cost effective options available to them. Instead of replacing large areas of concrete, the professionals at Steady House can simply raise the sunken slab of concrete. This process can be done quickly, economically, and does not require losing the use of the are for days or weeks during construction.

Following a detailed inspection of the problem, we can apply a technique known as concrete raising, whereby our technicians drill several small holes in the sunken area of concrete. Under high pressure, we then pump stabilizing expansive materials into the holes, raising the slab, until the transition disappears. Once it is gone, we patch the holes and fill the crack, leaving a smooth, level surface that water will no longer penetrate.

The entire process can take as little as a few hours during a low traffic time, leaving your home or business traffic largely undisturbed. Whether it is a trip hazard in the concrete outside, or cracking, leaking foundations or slabs inside your property, we use the latest materials and techniques to fix the problem and protect your family, your guests, and your assets. Have questions or concerns about your Dallas-Fort Worth area property? Contact Steady House Foundation Repair now to schedule a free consultation and get an estimate.

3 Reasons to Hire a Professional to Handle Your Foundation Repair

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3 Reasons to Hire a Professional to Handle Your Foundation Repair

A solid foundation is of utmost importance for any structure, whether it’s a one-story ranch home or a 14-floor skyscraper. No house or building, regardless of how seemingly impregnable, will survive for very long if the foundation is in bad condition. And no matter how small the job might seem, it’s well worth it to call in a professional to handle the workload. In this post, we’ll look at three reasons why you should hire a contractor to take care of foundation repair.

  1. Professional Contractors Know What They’re Doing: A contractor that is experienced in repairing foundations obviously knows what they are doing. If you decide to go this home improvement project alone, particularly if you have no experience with repairing foundations, you run the serious risk of putting both the residents of your house and the house itself in danger. With a professional doing the job, they’ll be able to go through the repair process seamlessly without jeopardizing the health and safety of the inhabitants of the home.
  2. You Could Save a Lot of Money in The Long Run: If you take on a foundation repair project on your own and don’t know what you’re doing, there’s a good chance you’ll end up spending far more money than you need to. With a professional contractor, they’ll get the job done right the first time, thus preventing you from spending money on any other extra repairs or unforeseen costs. They’ll also know what supplies to use to save you money and help you stay within your budget.
  3. They’ll Leave You With a Finished Product That Lasts For Years: A seasoned foundation repair contractor knows how to build something structurally sound. They will repair your foundation in a way that leaves it in sturdy condition for many years to come. If you try to do this repair yourself, you may not have the resources and knowledge needed create a foundation that will stay in excellent shape for the long-term.

Looking for a contractor? Contact us today!

Foundation Repair: Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Foundation Damage

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If you have seen cracks in your home’s slab foundation, or you have begun to notice hills and valleys in your home’s floors, then you may be worried that your home might have foundation damage. Your first instinct after coming to this realization may be to ignore the problem due to the potentiality of needing costly repairs; however, this is a mistake. Here are just a few of the reasons why it is critical that you have your foundation repaired as soon as possible if you believe you have foundation damage.

Foundation Repair: Why You Shouldn't Ignore Foundation Damage

The Damage Will Only Get Worse

While it may be tempting to ignore the problem, or put off the repairs for a while to save money, the fact is that the damage is only going to get worse the longer you wait. Once your foundation is damaged, the damage will quickly become bigger and more expensive the longer it goes unrepaired. While it is never fun to have to spend money on home repairs, by having your home’s foundation repaired as soon as you suspect damage, you will actually be saving yourself money in the long-run by preventing more extensive repairs, particularly if you are able to catch the problem early.

It Can Cause Additional Damage

Not only will damage to your foundation get worse over time, but foundation damage that is left unrepaired can also cause extensive structural damage throughout your home. From cracking and bowing walls, to misaligned doors and windows, a whole host of problems can be caused by not repairing a damaged foundation. In fact, if the damage goes unaddressed long enough, the very structural integrity of your home can become compromised.

As you can see, it is critical to have your foundation professionally inspected and repaired if you suspect foundation damage. Contact us to learn about the signs you can look out for indicating that your home may be in need of foundation repair.

3 Keys To Selecting the Best Foundation Contractors

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Not all foundation contractors are created equal. When evaluating prospective foundation contractors, there are three qualities to seek to ensure the long-term stability of your building. They are accessibility, a comprehensive quotation, and timely project completion. Below is a look at each of these qualities and why they are vital to the success of your project.

3 Keys To Selecting the Best Foundation Contractors

1) Contractor Accessibility

Accessibility and responsiveness are vital to your project’s successful completion. You can assess a contractor’s accessibility by reading online reviews and contacting references to inquire about the contractor’s level of responsiveness. Here are some signs of an accessible foundation contractor:

  • You receive your initial quotation promptly
  • Your contractor arrives early or on time to meet with you
  • You are able to easily reach the contractor by phone or email
  • Your phone calls, texts, and email inquiries receive a swift response

2) A Comprehensive Quotation

The quotation you receive to repair or raise your foundation is a roadmap for your project’s completion. As you evaluate potential foundation contractors, make sure that you receive a comprehensive quotation that includes the following key pieces of information:

  • The total cost of your project, including materials, labor, and any taxes
  • A proposed timeframe for completion
  • Any special tools or equipment required for the project’s completion
  • A date and the signature of the contractor who provided the quote

3) Adherence to a Proposed Schedule

Foundation contractors should have a proven track record of completing projects on time or ahead of schedule. If unexpected delays should happen to arise, the contractor should contact you right away. As you compare foundation contractors, be sure to check the contractor’s references to confirm their adherence to project deadlines.

Finalizing Your Decision

In addition to exhibiting the qualities above, the foundation contractor you select should exhibit professionalism and industry experience. Whether your project is large or small, the foundation experts at Steady House Foundation Repair have the tools and resources to surpass your expectations. Please contact us to learn why we are the most trusted foundation contractor in Texas. We look forward to hearing from you!

What To Expect From Your House Foundation Inspection

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If you are concerned about your home’s foundation, you may need a house foundation inspection. What are some common causes of foundation problems? According to the Texas Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers, many parts of Texas have clay soils. This type of soil is affected by changes in moisture content and will shrink and swell, causing the foundation to move. Other factors that affect your foundation include design practices, the deterioration of building materials, slope instability, or landscaping practices.

What To Expect From Your House Foundation Inspection

The inspection process typically begins by meeting with a foundation company representative. This meeting is an opportunity for you to ask questions and express your concerns about the foundation. The contractor will then evaluate the exterior of your home. This includes checking your foundation elevations. The measurements of your foundation elevations will help the contractor determine whether the foundation is out of level. The contractor will also be looking for foundation cracks, damaged walls, doors or windows that are out of alignment, and any other signs of sinking or cracking.

If your home was built using piers and beams, the contractor will inspect the crawl space under your home. The contractor will examine your piers, beams and joists to see if they are wet or rotted. He will also be looking for signs that the crawl space is damp or musty. If so, you may have a foundation drainage problem, or a plumbing issue that needs attention.

The foundation inspection contractor will also check for damage inside of your home. He or she will be looking for cracks in ceilings, walls and floors. The contractor will also take measurements to determine if your foundation is out of level and to what degree. Once the inspection has been completed, the inspection contractor will discuss the findings with you and make recommendations about what, if any, foundation repairs are needed.

If you are concerned or have questions about your house’s foundation, contact us. We are here to help.