I am having a new home built. What should I do about the foundation? 

Why does Granite offer several types of foundation repair methods? 

We offer Steel Piers, Helical Piers, Pressed Pilings and Drilled Piers because different foundation problems and foundation types call for different repair methods. 
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What is the best foundation repair system?

In a majority of the foundation repairs, steel piers often provide the best long term solution. Pressed pilings or drilled concrete piers may also a good choice dependent upon the condition of the house and the type of sub-surface strata.

For pier and beam foundations the repair may be as simple as replacing crushed wooden shims with steel shims. Granite Foundation Repair exclusively uses steel shims for pier and beam foundations.
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The house inspector's report says "some evidence of settling" or "foundation is in reasonable condition for its age"

These statements may be major warning signs.  Discuss this with a foundation professional other than the house inspector.
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What is the difference between a Level A and a Level B foundation inspection report? 

The level B report provides hard numbers on foundation flatness along with analysis and recommendations. The Level A report tends tobe a brief summary of the foundation condition, lacking solid factual measurements.
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Why is drainage so important?

Water accumulation along one area of a house can cause either destructive upheaval or foundation sinking. The Dallas-Fort Worth area Montmorillonite clay is geologically known to fail in high moisture conditions. Poor drainage drives the need for foundation repairs.

In the case of slab foundations, drainage correction may be the only way to solve the problem of upheaval caused by poor drainage.

For more information on drainage refer to the section of this web site on causes of foundation problems.
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What about French Drains?

French Drains are sometimes needed as part of a drainage correction and foundation repair program to eliminate areas of sub-surface standing water or high water soil saturation.
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Can I postpone foundation repairs and house leveling?

Once a foundation begins to fail, it needs immediate attention to identify the problem and stop the damage from spreading.
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Is a surface drain as good as a French Drain?

The drain type is site dependent. Surface drains collect water on top of the ground. French drains draw off water that has penetrated the ground. Sometimes a hybrid solution is employed, with a buried French Drain and surface water collection drains.
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How does a plumbing leak affect a foundation?

In the early stages of a leak, the soil swells and may create a noticeable hump in the floor. Continued leaking leads to soil erosion and a drop in the slab. Typically, Texas insurance companies reimburse homeowners for loss only if plumbing leak damage is massive and sudden.  Slow leaks are seldom covered and are unfortunately a frequent cause of foundation problems.
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Do I have to call all the utilities before Granite begins work?

Granite will handle contacting the utilities before foundation repair begins.
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How long does it take for typical foundation repairs? 

Depending upon the number of piers, steel pier foundation repairs are completed in 1-3 days. Concrete foundation repair methods normally require 2-10 days.  
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What will happen to my plants during the repairs?

Granite Foundation Repair carefully removes and replants all vegetation, but we can not guarantee the longevity of plants that have been moved. Another reason to choose steel piers. Steel piers require the least amount of vegetation removal of any foundation repair system.
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Can I dig near a foundation? 

Because of soil movement which could undermine the support of a house, Granite recommends that the hole depth not exceed the distance to the foundation.
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I am having a new home built. What should I do about the foundation?

Hire a professional independent engineer to review foundation design and oversee critical stages of construction. City building codes specify minimum standards, which in most areas including Dallas, Arlington, Plano, Grand Prairie, Garland and Fort Worth, are inadequate to provide permanent foundation stabilization.
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