Foundation Repair: Four Signs that it is Time to Call a Professional

Home ownership has its highs and lows. Sometimes you can go months or years without any major mishaps, but eventually there are aspects of your home that need to be repaired or replaced. If you are noticing any of the signs discussed here, then you will want to consider contacting a foundation repair professional.

One of the first and most obvious signs that you may need a foundation repair is the condition of the floors and walls. When a house is built, it will naturally "settle" and some minor cracks will become visible. However, if you notice that the cracks are worsening or that your floors are sloping and uneven, then you should consider having your home evaluated. Keep in mind that these cracks and slopes are not limited to the basement floor. If you have cracks or slopes anywhere in your home then it may indicate a structural problem.

Another sign that you might need foundation repair is uneven doors that "stick" or are misaligned. A similar problem is windows that do not open and close properly. While both of these problems can also be related to weather and humidity, you should consider that there may be an underlying issue as well.

A more obvious and easily noticed problem is bowing or curved walls. Sometimes this problem is called "buckling". Basically, the wall (regardless of building material) begins to yield to the pressure upon it. This is a major issue that cannot nor should not be ignored. Should the wall start to crumble, your entire structure could be in jeopardy.

There are several solutions that a foundation specialist might offer you. Obviously, you want to avoid further damage, so consulting with a professional is of utmost importance and should take priority over other home improvement projects. Consider contacting a few different companies and asking them to come out and evaluate your situation. Each one should provide you with a few options for correcting the problem as well as an estimate for the cost of the foundation repair.

These types of home improvement projects are often unexpected and can cause a strain on your budget. Many companies will offer some type of financing that will help to make the project more affordable. The sooner you have the foundation repair completed, the less expensive it will be. More extensive damage will only lead to a more expensive bill in the end.

One thing to keep in mind is that these types of complicated issues do not go away on their own. A small, hairline crack is never going to magically disappear and that sloping floor will never flatten out on its own. It is best to act quickly to minimize further damage to your home.