As someone experiencing foundation issues you may be wondering how long you can expect repairs to take. Unfortunately, this isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ solution. To give you an accurate estimate for the length of time it takes to repair a foundation a number of factors will need to be taken into consideration.
In this article, we’ll take a look at these factors and then give you an estimate on the length of time you can expect your foundation repair to take.
Factors to Consider:
There are several factors that determine the length of time it takes to finish a foundation repair. Here are some things to consider:
Size
If the size of the structure is large then logically, it will take longer for a foundation repair to be completed.
Complications/extent of damage
A house that has deteriorated over time will have more foundation problems, thus taking longer to fix. If it is only a minor issue, then the waiting time will be considerably shorter.
The number of installations that must be done
A structure that takes 3-5 foundation piers, naturally, will take less time than 20 piers.
The type of piers to be installed
Various types of piers take a shorter amount of time to install. For example, pressed concrete pilings and steel piers take less time than the poured concrete type.
Interior pier installation
Compared to exterior pier installation, the interior installation will take more time, since the floor needs to be broken (and then the hole needs to be patched).
Signs You Need a Foundation Repair
The foundation of a structure should be a priority since safety is always paramount.
A 700-square foot home will take less time than a 3,000-square foot one.
Weather
If the weather condition is bad at the time of repair, the repair timeline may be delayed. It is impossible to work in rain.
As a non-expert, however, you need to be well-informed of the signs that a structure’s foundation is vulnerable.
In fact, a regular inspection is advisable to prevent minor issues from turning into major problems. The following are all signs that your foundation may be in need of repair or maintenance:
- There are cracks on your wall and floor, especially after an earthquake.
- The doors and window frames appear to be misaligned.
- The chimney appears to be tilted.
- The floors have gradually sloped.
- The cabinets and counters are tilting away from a wall.
- There is an influx of incidences of foundation problems around the neighborhood. Your property is highly likely to have a foundation issue, too.
- The foundation is sinking or settling.
- The floor appears to sag.
- There is a foundation upheaval.
- The doors and windows start being sticky.
If you notice any of these signs, it is a good idea to conduct a foundation inspection.
Costs of Foundation Repair
As it is a significant investment, budgeting for your home’s foundation repair is essential. The cost may range from $2500 if caught early to $12,000 if left to progress. However, it does depend on the extent of the damage and its location.
Sometimes a minor correction to surface drainage will fix the problem. Drainage correction may require a combination of surface drains, French drains, and a sump pump.
These are just some rough estimates; you will find that the more serious the foundation problems are, the higher the cost.
How Long Can You Expect Foundation Repair To Take?
Minor Repair:
If you notice the signs of a failed foundation in its early stages and immediately contact a foundation repair company, then repairs should be less costly. For this reason, it is recommended to conduct regular inspections as preventive maintenance. However, assuming that there isn’t a hidden issue, you can expect these repairs to take 1-3 days.
Extensive Repair:
If the stability of your home has been compromised, then it is almost certainly going to take longer for the entire structure to be fixed. A complicated repair can take anywhere from 5 to 12 days.
Considerations
You might be tempted to do the foundation repair on your own. Shallow piers will only exacerbate the problem. It is best to leave the work to a reputable foundation repair company, who will drive the piers deep into the ground. In the Dallas area piers must be driven to bedrock, or below the 10-12 foot zone of seasoned moisture change.