The Homeowner’s Guide to Navigating Foundation Repair
No matter if you are dealing with cracked drywall in Southern Indiana or a bowing basement wall in Northern Kentucky, the fear of foundation repair can pretty much be summed up with the same questions.
Top Three Insights
- Don’t put off foundation repair! Foundation repairs are progressive and will worsen over time if neglected.
- DIY is not an option! Technically, a patch to a hairline crack is relatively easy. However, structural repairs are best left to the professionals.
- Your home will retain its resale value! A home that has had the foundation repaired is a value add for potential home buyers.
We have outlined the top 10 questions homeowners typically ask, and we have provided real-life answers.
The “Real Talk” Guide to Foundation Repair
1 How much does foundation repair really cost?
This is asked by every homeowner. Foundation repair issues can vary from early found small cracks all the way to a home that is about to fall in on itself. The fee to fix these repairs can range from $500-$2,000 for crack injections all the way to tens of thousands of dollars for wall anchors and piering.
2 Do I have to address this now, or can it wait?
Just like most home repairs, the longer the repair is put off or neglected, the more the issues progress. A crack injection repair this year could escalate to a piering repair in a few years. Horizontal cracking is a telltale sign that you need to take action immediately.
3 Will my homeowners’ insurance cover the repair?
The answer is usually no. Most homeowners’ insurance coverage does not cover “settlement” or “earth movement.” Most policies will only cover the repair if it is due to a sudden event, such as a busted pipe.
4 How long will the foundation repair take?
Most foundation repairs are completed quickly. Crack repairs are finished in a few hours. Wall bracing and piering repairs will take a few days. Full waterproofing projects can take up to a week to complete.
5 Is the repair covered under any kind of warranty?
Our foundation repair work comes with a “Lifetime Transferable Warranty.” This allows the warranty to be transferred from one homeowner to another.
6 How will the repair affect my lawn and landscaping?
Most crack repairs will not affect your home’s lawn. However, piering and exterior waterproofing will require digging. We use the most minimally invasive method to complete the foundation repair as much as possible to mitigate damage to your lawn or landscaping.
7 Will this repair fix my stick windows and the difficult-to-close doors?
In most cases, yes, the foundation repair will fix these issues. During the repair process, many homeowners hear their home “moan” as the foundation is brought back to its original level. This will likely fix any stuck doors and difficult-to-open windows.
8 Can I do this repair myself?
Minor hairline cracks can be sealed with an epoxy repair kit. Structural repairs involve hydraulic pressure and massive amounts of torque. This is not a DIY project; there is no warranty on the work, and many times it can decrease the value of your home.
9 Can you define the difference between “failing” and “settling”?
Failing is the differential movement where one corner of the home is moving faster than the rest of the home. Horizontal or diagonal cracks are a sure sign of failure. Settling usually manifests itself as small cracks that appear within the first few years after the home has been built.
10 How will this affect my home’s resale value?
In an area that is prone to foundation shifting, a warrantied foundation repair can make the home more appealing to buyers. They know that the foundation has already been addressed, and it is highly unlikely that there will be any future issues.
Stop the Cracks Before They Grow
Your foundation repair issue will not go away or fix itself. It will only worsen over time, making the repair more expensive. Avoid letting a small crack turn into thousands of dollars of repair that could possibly have been avoided. Our foundation experts have the experience to assess the situation and quickly provide an affordable solution. Call Affordable Concrete Solutions today at 270-635-3324 to protect your home from further damage.
