Tips to avoid expensive foundation repairs
Owning a home can be one of the joys of life. There is nothing quite like turning the key on your new home and seeing it for the first time as YOUR home.
At the same time, homeownership also can be incredibly maddening and frustrating. There are times you find yourself facing unwanted expenses. Not to mention suddenly seeing your bank account shrink.
Plumbing issues, power failures caused by faulty wiring, and malfunctioning appliances are common household issues that require repairs. Thankfully, foundation damage can mainly be prevented by taking a few preventative measures.
Below we cover some of the most common causes of foundation damage and how to avoid major problems.
Landscaping
Sprinkler systems can wreak havoc on foundations by causing the surrounding soil to shift. When this happens, cracks can start to show up on walls, which are telltale signs of foundation issues.
Planting trees and shrubbery may add value to a home, but it can also cost homeowners money they did not intend to spend if the roots are too close to the foundation. Not only can a tree’s large roots damage foundations, they can also damage nearby sidewalks and driveways, creating additional expenses for homeowners.
Representatives of the Foundation Repair Organization had the following to say about the kind of damage trees can do to a house’s foundation: “Even when the perimeter slab has been underpinned, the interior slab will often deform as moisture migrates to the perimeter as a result of root capillary action.”
Consulting a professional landscaper prior to adding trees and shrubbery can help prevent these expenditures. Specialists will know which trees and other greenery are best suited for the area and how close to plant them to your home.
If you really want to landscape yourself, do as much research as possible. It can save you a big aspirin bill later on.
Pools and ponds
These are two more property-value boosters that can cost homeowners money by damaging their foundation if not done properly.
Swimming pools and fabricated ponds that are not water-tight, especially those in close proximity to your home, can serve as vessels for water to slowly erode your foundation. These issues are avoidable by investing in warranties and scheduling regular pool and pond “tune-ups.”
Pools and ponds may even make your home harder to sell.
When it comes to the foundation of your home, you don’t want to risk damaging it. It’s arguably the most important part of your home. As always, consult the professionals before you do any work.
DIY disasters
There are a number of TV shows and videos that make do-it-yourself projects seem like fun, economical ways to remodel or add additional rooms to your home. But amateurs may not be familiar with things such as load-bearing beams or walls. You can cause damage to the structure when you remove them. It happens more often than you think.
Cost of foundation repairs
While there is no exact number because business rates vary from state to state, associates of Home Advisor have issued the following statement: “On average, nationally, home foundation repair costs $4,604, with most homeowners spending between $3,678 and $5,530.”
Depending on the extent of the damage to the foundation, the cost to repair it may greatly exceed these numbers. That is why it's important that homeowners take preventative measures to help prevent or limit any damage.
