Should you begin to notice visible cracks in your home's foundation, windows or doors that start to stick, or floors that appear to be uneven, chances are it will be time to replace your home's foundation. While still a large job, it is one that has gotten much easier and convenient for homeowners over the years, thanks to advanced engineering technology. But before committing to this task, here is what you should always know prior to replacing your home's foundation.
Hire Experienced Professionals
First of all, always hire professionals who are experienced in repairing foundations. Since the foundation is such an important part of your home's structure, not having experienced pros on the job could mean you wind up with an even worse problem than you had before the work crew arrived at your home.
Don't Remodel Your Kitchen or Bathroom
If you have plans to remodel your home's kitchen or bathroom in the near future, don't have these remodeling jobs done prior to your foundation repair. If you do, the plumbing renovations that were done during the remodeling will likely need to be done a second time, since plumbing damage can sometimes take place during the course of repairing a foundation.
Put off Roof Repairs
Just as you should delay remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, you should also put off any roof repairs you are planning until your foundation is fixed. As for why, it is because once your home's foundation is lifted, it is possible your roof could find itself with various wrinkles or waves while the job is being completed. Also, if you have roof tiles as your primary roofing materials, these are prone to cracking during foundation repairs, so keep this in mind as well.
Look for Signs of Past Repairs
If you are in the process of purchasing a new home, make sure you try to look for signs of past repairs that could indicate the property has a current foundation issue or had problems in the past. For example, if you notice cracks on the home's inside walls or see areas where it appears cracks have been patched, you may want to pump the brakes on your purchase until you have a home inspection completed.
Though a big job, having your home's foundation repaired is vital to ensuring its structural integrity. Rather than face larger problems in the years ahead, getting your foundation repaired now will keep your home in great shape and give you peace of mind.
