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Category Archives: Foundation Repair

Categories Foundation Repair, Home Inspection, Home safety

Walk Away From These Home Inspection Results

We say it all the time: your home is the biggest purchase you’ll make in your life. Therefore getting a home inspection will help you protect your investment.

For many, getting blinded by your love for a home is easy. But the reality is once you get that home inspection report back, there will be a few marks and possibly some that are worrying.

A perfect home inspection report does not exist, as there will always be some marks. And while it’s natural to feel a little anxious about it, it’s totally normal. You’ll need to have an idea of your deal breakers and tolerance level before beginning the search for a home. There will always be issues that some people are willing to stick around and tackle while others would rather cut their losses and continue with the search.

However, there are red flags that both realtors and home inspectors agree on as signs to kill the deal and move on. If you come across these issues, you may want to think twice before proceeding.

 

1. Major Foundation Issues

Cracks and other irregularities in the foundation can be extremely expensive, upwards of $10,000, to repair. Aside from this, you must consider the fees for landscaping repair to correct the problem if an excavation is necessary.

Although some foundation repairs are minor and only require a couple hundred dollars, you can only be sure after contracting a licensed structural engineer to assess the problem.

Many seasoned home professionals agree that first-time buyers should avoid major foundation issues as they may lack the funds and experience to take on this problem.

 

2. Buried Oil Tanks

While more common in areas with harsher winters, such as the Northeast, this American tradition is one that could be harmful to your home today.

Before electrical heating, many had underground tanks that sent propane to the house throughout winter. Obviously, there is a handful of possible problems that could come from this. But common ones are leaks (that lead to soil contamination), sink holes, and drainage problems. Much like the foundation issue, a tank removal will cost you well into the thousands.

 

3. Polybutylene Plumbing Pipes

If this comes across your report, we say make a run for it. These plumbing pipes are a product of the 80s and they should have stayed there.

These pipes were initially favored as cheap alternative to copper, but are more likely to leak and could cause issues like mold, structural damage, or the headache that goes with a burst pipe.

Most homeowners haven’t replaced the pipes if they haven’t personally encountered an issue. Save yourself the trouble from having to deal with this potentially disastrous problem.

 

Should You Stay or Should You Go?

In the end, the choice to stop the buying process or decision to tackle the issues is your decision alone. Your financial standing, how much you’re comfortable with shelling out, and the amount of time you have will be the biggest factors.

You don’t have to make these tough decisions alone. An expert home inspector can be a huge help! Let a home inspection add an extra layer of security to the biggest investment you’ll ever make.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!

 

We Can Help

 

 

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Foundation Repair, Home safety

Home Safety: Foundation Issues Explained

The average homeowner is no expert when it comes to home repairs or even identifying potential issues within a home. Therefore we want to shine a light on your home’s foundation.

Many people think they only need their foundation inspected when selling or buying a home. But for something so integral and essential to your home, it’s a good idea to pay more attention to it.

Foundational issues can be hard to catch if you don’t know what to look for. Check out a few signs that we talked about in one of our earlier posts.

Read on for more information about foundation inspections, common problems, and what to expect.

When You Need a Foundation Inspection

There will be some red flags that indicate the need for a professional inspection, including:

  • Worn out walls (cracks, splitting, bulging, or uneven walls)
  • Roof problems such as water stains
  • Poor grading allowing water to stand near the home
  • Utility issues like electrical abnormalities or plumbing leaks
  • Chimney is separating from the structure of the home

Each of these aspects are all signs of a failing foundation and should not be taken lightly. If you fear that one of these issues may be contributing to a bigger problem in your home, don’t hesitate to call in the pros!

 

What to Expect from Foundation Inspections

These inspections are very in depth and will last about 1.5 hours. They include an interview in which we learn about the timeline of any damages as well as any concerns or abnormalities you may have noticed.

We will follow up with visual observations of the interior, exterior, and surrounding terrain.

If you’re still concerned that you may not be receiving factual data and a concrete answer about the state of your home’s foundation, don’t worry!

At EIG we utilize the latest technology, Zip Level Pro-2000, which allows us to give you the peace of mind that we will find out the exact condition your foundation is in.

Check out one of our sample reports here to get an idea of what you’ll be receiving.

 

What Can Happen to Your Foundation

You already know how important your home’s foundation is to the structure and functionality of your home.

However, if you’re still thinking of putting off the inspection and treatment, you should know that untreated foundation issues can lead to HUGE bills and headaches in the long run.

Besides exorbitant costs and long-term repairs, living in a home with foundation issues is a huge safety concern.

The cause and effect of many of these issues can bring on many other issues such as: mold, erosion, and major structural damage, which all make your home a dangerous living environment.

 

To ensure you and your loved ones are safe, keep a close eye on the common issues that arise when foundations have problems. Or you can rest easy with a professional opinion!

Schedule your inspection today with our easy online scheduling tool, and let one of our expert team members determine the state of your foundation.

 

 

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Foundation Repair

8 Foundation Repair Myths Dispelled

foundation repair

When it comes to your home’s foundation, the smallest comment can make anyone break into a sweat. The general idea is that foundation repair means big bucks and even bigger problems for you, but that’s not the case.

To help you better understand what foundation repair really means we want to dispel some myths today.

1. Foundation Repair Will Break the Bank

Well, it can be expensive, but not every single time. A major repair can set you back a couple thousand, but most of the time people are facing a much smaller issue that doesn’t require an invasive repair.

Our advice—don’t stress about the price until you know the root of the problem.

2. You Should Wait Until the Repair is More Affordable

While waiting until you’re comfortable to pay out a big price is usually okay you definitely don’t want to put off a foundation repair. No matter how small the problem is.

Foundation issues worsen, and quick, so save yourself money in the long run by getting the issue solved immediately.

3. The Problem is the Fault of the Original Builder

Most people assume that foundation issues stem from a faulty building, but a majority are actually due to soil conditions. For example, in North Texas, we have mainly expansive clays which can significantly alter a home’s foundation.

4. Overwatering Causes Foundation Damage

 The expansion from overwatering soil isn’t on a large enough scale to cause cracking.

 5. You Just Need to Fill Cracks

 Injecting a crack may fix a leak, but it’s not the only solution to a foundation problem nor will it prevent future problems from occurring. This is why you need a qualified professional to inspect the root of the problem.

6. Cracks Will Lead You to the Cause of the Problem

Identifying cracks in your foundation is important. These are symptoms that tell you something much larger is occurring somewhere beneath the surface. However, they won’t always give you a 100% direct answer to why your foundation is bad.

Other notable signs include cracks in beams and walls, doors that won’t open or close, bulging floorboards, unbalanced floors, and more.

7. Never Buy a Home With Foundation Problems

A foundation problem is not reason enough to cross a home off of your list. Issues can be resolved quite easily thanks to today’s technologies.

Always find out more about the problem and how much it will cost before closing on a house, but don’t let foundation problems scare you away. They can be fixed!

8. New Homes are Flawless

When new homes are built, construction crews dig out a significant area of soil to place the home’s foundation.  Digging out that amount of soil loosens the surrounding soil that has slowly compacted over hundreds of years.

Once the foundation is in place, fill dirt is placed back against the foundation itself and tamped down using specialized equipment. While contractors will try their best to compact the soils, they’ll never do it as well as Mother Nature.

We Can Help

Have you had your annual foundation inspection? Or are you looking to move into a new home? Let Elite Inspections Group put your mind at ease with factual data.

We use the latest technology to ensure your foundation is in mint condition. Schedule your inspection today!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Foundation Repair

Ways to Avoid Costly Foundation Repairs

Foundation

If someone asked you what the most important aspect of your home was, everyone (hopefully) would state without hesitation that it is the foundation. When buying or selling your home this will be a huge factor in closing the deal.

We’ve talked about the warning signs to look for in potential foundation issues, but now we want to review the importance of preserving a solid foundation as well as its connection to the value of your home.

If you’ve come across any of the warning signs in your home, don’t waste any time and use our easy online scheduling tool to get in touch ASAP.

Foundation Types

If you’re not familiar with foundations, take a look at this broad explanation for the most common types. Foundation type will vary based on region as well as climate.

The expansive clays found in most soil across North Texas can really take a toll on your foundation, constantly altering the position of your foundation which can spell out trouble for your home.

For many reasons, foundation repairs can add up to an outrageous amount, and small issues with the foundation are enough to scare away potential buyers, lending a hand to the idea that foundation does indeed affect your home’s value.

Maintaining a Strong Foundation

Your home can be your biggest investment, but it doesn’t have to be your biggest headache. Luckily there are a few things you can do to maintain a strong foundation:

  1. Take a walk around your house and check for any small cracks (they’re easier to deal with when they’re smaller), mildew, or wood rot.
  2. Retain consistent moisture level around your foundation by applying for a water control program with a lawn sprinkler or water hose to prevent the soil from expanding or shrinking too often.
  3. On the other hand, too much water can also be problematic. Install a solid drainage system to direct water away from your foundation.
  4. Consult your landscaper about trees root size and moisture need. While trees are beautiful and can add to the aesthetic appeal of your property, they are constantly draining water from the soil. Ensure that any tree is at least 15’-30’ away from your house.
  5. Yearly plumbing inspections can save you a lot of trouble as one of the biggest causes of foundation damage comes from plumbing leaks.

These are just a few hands-on tips that you can implement to preserve a functioning foundation.

We Can Help!

If you come across any issues or you’re looking to buy a home, a professional foundation inspection will be necessary.

In Texas, inspectors are required to give their opinion about the foundation, but at Elite Inspection Group we go the extra mile and give you factual data that you can use to help you with your huge purchasing decision or for necessary upkeep to your current home.

At EIG we go farther than the typical visual inspection and utilize the latest technology, the Zip Level Pro-2000, the same equipment used by Professional Engineers to determine the true levelness of your foundation.

You can use our simple, quick quote tool to get an idea of what you’re in store for.

If you have any concern at all, don’t hesitate to contact us today and we’ll be performing your inspection in 48 hours or less!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Foundation Repair

4 Telltale Signs of Foundation Problems and How to Spot Them

Damaged or unstable foundations can quickly lead to costly and drawn-out repairs. Noticing early warning signs can save you thousands of dollars and valuable time.

Don’t let a small crack snowball into a full-on foundation nightmare!

Here are the 4 signs of foundation problems.

  1. The doors jam or stick.
  2. Cracks have formed in the wall, particularly above the windows, doorways and where the ceiling meets the wall.
  3. Windows won’t close or begin to stick.
  4. Cracks appear in vinyl or ceramic tiles.

Homes are much like people— they settle over time, get comfortable and occasionally begin to “crack.” Normal wear and tear is nothing to panic about, but being alert to potential symptoms of a bigger foundational problem never hurts!

Once you’ve spotted a potential problem, there are a few self-inspection measures you can take before calling in a professional.

Or, you can skip the above step altogether and schedule an inspection with Elite Inspection Group– we’re open 24/7 and promise to reply to your inquiry within 48 hours!

Look Outside

Step outside and have a look if your foundation is properly supporting your walls. From corner to corner, every wall should be straight, both vertically and horizontally. If you can’t spot a leaning wall with the naked eye, try a level.

Any bulging or curves could signal a shifting in your foundation, either due to the soil or cycles of expanding and contracting with the climate. As a result, additional pressure is put on your walls, causing cracks, “sticky doors” and so on.

Test Your Concrete

Run a quick test on your concrete for any signs of weakness; ideally, it should be too hard to be damaged.  Using a screwdriver, attempt to chip or break off a bit of concrete– if it breaks easily or is flaky, there could be a problem.

This is a common problem with older homes, specifically those built in the early 1900’s, as the concrete was in large part mixed with dirt and sand, or too much water. Unfortunately, in that case, the only solution may be an entirely new foundation.

Check Your Basement

Have a look at the posts or concrete supports in your basement– do they appear sturdy and straight? They should be supporting the weight of beams above.

However, puddles or excessive moisture could indicate a weakness in your foundation.

Another sign could be rotting wood or mold, due to water damage, poor drainage or a crack in the foundation, thus allowing in moisture.

There’s Only One Way to Know for Sure…

And, that’s with Elite Inspection Group. Our team of certified professionals will evaluate your home, and assess to what degree your foundation may be compromised.

Our online scheduling tool allows for easy scheduling, any day, any time. What’s more, we’re open 24/7 and guarantee a reply to your request within 48 hours!

Give us a call or schedule your inspection, today!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand