How Do You Know Your Foundation is in Trouble?

You must disclose work done to the foundation, but if you fixed the foundation in some cases, that could be seen as an asset. In areas known to have soil issues, having a solution to a problem that every homeowner in the area will encounter while owning a home in that area. Most homeowners will pay around $4,280 to repair foundation issues. Major repairs involving hydraulic piers can cost $10,000 or more, and minor cracks cost as low as $500. Usually, the work is done in less than a week, but know that they may take 30 days before they can get to you. So, How Do You Know Your Foundation is in Trouble?

Is your home susceptible to foundation damage?

Here is a list of things to look for around and under your home.

Built on expansive clay
Built on improperly compacted fill soils
The area around the foundation has poor drainage
The home is in an area with extreme seasonal changes
Experiencing a plumbing leak below your home
Tree roots are growing too close to your home
An earthquake, flood or drought compromised the structure

DIY is NOT the way to go for your foundation because your foundation can make or break the value of your home.

1. It is hard to tell when the foundation problems are leading to foundation failure.

2. You could cause additional damage to your home.

3. You might cost yourself more money in the end.

Signs of Foundation Problems

Are you wondering if you have foundation problems? All foundations settle with time, but problems arise when this settlement is uneven. Here are the common exterior and interior signs of foundation problems:

Exterior Signs

Wall rotation
Separation around garage door, windows and/or walls
Cracked bricks
Broken and/or cracked foundation
Displaced moldings

Interior Signs

Misaligned doors and windows
Cracked sheetrock
Cracks in floor
Uneven floors
Cracks in and around the fireplace
Cabinet doors not staying closed
Diagonal wall cracks extending from the corners of doors and windows

You have foundation problems, so now what?

Here is a list of some methods used to repair foundations.

1. Steel piers

The steel piers take less time to install and disturb less landscape than concrete piers.

2. Helical piers

Helical piers are used for both new construction and repair methods. It is good for light-loaded areas, such as porch columns. Helical piers are the most versatile pier in the market.

3. Concrete pier foundation repair

Poured-in-place concrete piers are used in the preconstruction phase of the structures but they can also be used for repairs. There are some drawbacks to them such as the cost and difficulty of getting drilling rigs into residential yards messing up the landscape. Contractors must dig out a lot of dirt for the holes which makes cleanup difficult. Due to these drawbacks, concrete piers are the most expensive method of foundation repair.

4. High-density polyurethane foam

Slab repair is the use of high-density polyurethane foam. The technicians inject the foam in the affected area. It has become a real marketplace-driven product because of the price and speed of repair it offers. However, you must remain cautious if HVAC ducts run through the floor the foam could infiltrate and clog them.

5. Segmented piers

This relatively new product in the industry, segmented piers is a price-driven foundation repair product making it’s low price attractive.

6. Spot piers

Spot piers are shallow hand-dug piers filled with concrete. They are an excellent option for repairing foundations in light-loaded areas, such as porches.

Need Help or have questions about How Do You Know Your Foundation is in Trouble? Contact Us online at or give Us a call at 1 (503) 3357-8810. From concept to completion, we provide full remodeling services. Let’s Build It!

Kurt Kopp is a dedicated professional with a commitment to excellence. He is a master builder of over 35 years of experience that strives to deliver the highest quality product to his valued customer.