Why Should I Fix My Foundation?
The Benefits Of Repairing Your Foundation Right Away
Foundation problems are often the result of a variety of changes that can occur in the soils surrounding your home. Unfortunately, these problems don't get better with time - they only get worse!
Many people associate foundation problems with older homes. However Consumer Reports found that 15% of new homes had serious foundation problems!
These problems were found to have four causes:
- Poor Construction
- Homes Built On Poorly Compacted Fill Soils
- Expansive Soils Damaging The Home
- Deteriorating/Inadequate Supports
It's safe to say that foundation problems affect new and old homes alike. The decision to fix these problems permanently is an investment in your home that makes sense.
Find Your Local Foundation Repair Contractors
Do-It-Yourself Foundation Repairs
Homeowners sometimes try quick-fix solutions to the damages caused by foundation problems. A common repair is patching over drywall cracks.
While this temporarily solves the cosmetic damage, it does nothing to stabilize the foundation to prevent it from happening again, again, and again. Repeated patching of drywall can be frustrating and unsightly!
Another common fix that homeowners attempt is tuck pointing exterior cracks. This too is temporary, as the cracks will open back up as the problem continues. Repeated tuck pointing often results in varying colors of mortar that detracts from the beauty of your home.
Return On Investment Of Foundation Repair
Another thing to consider is the resale value of your home -- since most people sell their home at some point in their life. You know yourself that you would be hesitant to buy a home with a structural defect, and if you did, you would not pay the asking price.
The Real Estate Seller Disclosure Act requires these types of problems must be disclosed to potential home buyers. Realtors tell us that they have to discount a home with foundation structural defects 10 to 20% in order to go forward with the sale of the home. What is your home worth in today's market? Can you see that by not fixing your foundation, it's going to cost you much more money than fixing your foundation?
When Should You Fix Your Foundation?
Sometimes homeowners ask, "Why should I fix this problem now?" Living with the foundation problem doesn't allow you to fully utilize and enjoy your living space without worry. Any finish work done to the home will constantly need to be repaired until the problem is permanently fixed.
In some extreme cases, homeowners have waited so long to fix the problem that entire basement walls have collapsed, resulting in an unlivable home that is very expensive to repair.
It's clear that the issue of a defective foundation is going to have to be dealt with. Fixing these problems now, and forever, can bring you the peace of mind of knowing your greatest investment is once again, safe, secure and fully usable. It's simply an investment that makes sense.
