In an age of self-sufficiency, people are encouraged to perform Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects. From lifestyle TV shows, vlog tutorials, and magazine articles, we are encouraged to make and fix things on our own. Nowhere is this more obvious than in home projects.
We assemble our furnishing kits, tighten leaking faucets, and repair damaged furniture without additional help. These are acceptable, since we want to save money and build a sense of competency in our repertoire of home skills.
However, when it comes to foundation issues, doing the work yourself isn’t recommended at all. The stakes are too high, making it important to entrust highly qualified professionals with the foundation repair process.
Foundation Repair Defined
Foundation repair is required when a home’s foundation and structure is damaged and requires fixing. This is typically needed when the interior structure of the home is compromised. Homeowners need to be aware of the signs of foundation problems.
Causes of Foundation Damage
Several things can cause the damage of a building’s foundation. These can be any of the following:
- Water: Water is the most likely cause of the swelling and shrinking of soil, leading to movement. This affects the foundation of the home. During calamities like flooding and earthquakes, plumbing can become damaged. This can create a leak that contributes to foundation problems.
- Soil content: Properties where clay has a large presence need to be checked more often. Clay tends to absorb water in vast amounts. This can lead to expansion and foundation issues. If clay soil becomes too dry, it can lead to cracks. Water absorption will be quicker during the rainy season. Soil can swell, exposing the home to foundation damage.
- Inadequate drainage: When water is not thoroughly drained, it can pool and cause the foundation of a building to move. This leads to cracks of the concrete. It also results to sagging roofs, uneven flooring and broken sewer pipes.
Effects of Foundation Damage
Foundation damage can be indicated via fairly minor symptoms like drywall cracks, but can lead to disastrous catastrophes. Specifically, it can cause infrastructure damage, an unstable structure, and loss of value for the property.
Foundation damage can also expose you to safety risks. Therefore, a property may need to be vacated. If you’re renting your unit, this can mean a loss in rental earnings.
Is DIY Foundation Repair Sensible?
No. While it may be more affordable than professional foundation services, DIY foundation repair is not a good idea. Fixing foundation problems is best left to professionals.
When we’re talking about minor projects such as repainting walls or changing flooring, it’s acceptable to perform these DIY tasks on your own. There are also preventative foundation maintenance steps you can take yourself, such as using a drip hose.
However, the consequences of foundation damage can be monumental, leading to a house itself collapsing. This isn’t something an ordinary owner can handle alone.
Why to Leave Home Foundation Repair to Experts
Additional Property Damage
Imagine climbing to the top of your home and trying to self-repair a sagging roof. This could result in a roof collapsing, seriously injuring you. Attempting DIY foundation repair can even cause more damage to your home.
You could misunderstand an instruction or make a mistake while conducting the repair. Itt makes more sense to hire a foundation repair expert.
Improper Equipment
On paper, foundation repair might sound simple. DIY foundation repair companies can market their products well, making it seem as though fixing your foundation is a breeze.
However, the reality is most foundation repair requires special instruments and equipment. This is not the type of equipment you’re likely to have in your garden shed.
For example, a hydraulic lifting system may be necessary to provide heavy support during excavation. If you’re not involved in heavy-duty work, that’s not the kind of tool you’re likely to own.
Lack of Ability to Spot Foundation Failure
It’s easy to search on the internet to find signs of foundation issues to track and monitor. Commonly listed signs include sticky doors, uneven flooring, wall cracks and sagging roofs.
However, you also need to know when a foundation issue has turned into a dangerous problem. Only structural experts can give light to the gravity of the situation. They have the requisite skills and solid knowledge to discern the safety level of the foundation of your building.
Compromise Your Home Value
If you go ahead and perform a foundation DIY repair, you might be sacrificing the value of your home. Let’s say, you want to sell your home and the buyer hires a home inspector to assess your property.
You likely won’t be able to disguise your fingerprint on the DIY foundation repair. The home inspector will be able to tell whether a professional handled the job. This can then lead to a lower price negotiation for your property.
Costly in the Long Run
If you tackle a foundation repair on your own, it may not mean you’ve corrected the issue. Then, when your foundation problem still exists, you’re bound to call up a foundation expert. The professional may even need to correct your DIY foundation repair.
This can lead to more expenses for you. You can make sure you’re really saving by letting a foundation specialist do the work efficiently on your behalf.
The Bottom Line
Some property owners consider DIY property repairs even with the inherent risks. In the quest to save money, they can be shortsighted and think DIY foundation repair is a cheap way to resolve foundation issues.
However, as cited above, this can lead to more expenses. To best save your time and effort, head straight to foundation repair specialists.
If you want to find reliable and dedicated foundation repair experts, contact Granite Foundation Repair. With over 15 years of experience, we offer cost-effective foundation repair solutions.
We make sure your home’s foundation stands solid, secure and stable. Our prices are reasonable and we provide exemplary service. Our solutions stand the test of time.
Don’t hesitate to call us at 972-412-2171 for more information. We offer free foundation inspections from our professional team.