How often do you think about the foundation of your home? Chances are, not often enough! Your home's foundation is one of the most important elements that often gets neglected until something goes wrong. According to Clever, a real estate research firm, foundations made of wood should last between five and 40 years if installed properly, which explains why folks may easily forget about them. Still, you shouldn't put off repairing and maintaining your foundation until it starts being a problem. You need to contact foundation repair contractors quite often to do inspections and repairs if necessary. What exactly do foundation repair contractors do? Let's discuss all the tasks that these contractors do so you can know when to call in their help and make the most of their services.

Foundation Inspection

These contractors perform a comprehensive evaluation of the house's foundation to identify any underlying problems or potential issues. This typically includes inspecting all cracks and looking for settlement, shifting, or any other indications of foundation damage. Since the contractors are professionals with a lot of relevant experience, they'll be able to find signs of foundation problems that require immediate attention fairly easily and quickly, meaning any problems will be addressed faster. They'll also have all the right tools and equipment needed for accurate and precise inspections. Inspections are typically completed before providing an estimate for work that needs to be done.

Foundation Repair

As would be expected, professional contractors will be able to repair your home's foundation the right way. They know all the proper methods and techniques necessary for exceptional foundation repair and will be able to execute them as needed. Some more serious foundation repairs need specific approaches and tools, and knowledgeable foundation repair contractors will know just how to respond so your foundation isn't damaged any further.

Basement Dig Outs

Professional repair contractors will be able to provide you with basement expansion services that will help you to take advantage of your basement space. Basement dig out services include lowering the basement floor, usually by underpinning the foundation walls or by using a technique called benching. Underpinning the foundation walls extends the house's footing to a lower level and allows the soil to be dug out safely from inside the basement without undermining the house's foundation walls. Benching leaves a concrete bench around the interior edges of the basement, but it's not recommended if you intend to lower your basement floor by more than around 12 inches, according to our experts.

Wall Stabilization

It's only natural for building walls to require stabilization at some point. Professional and reliable repair contractors will be able to offer you ongoing maintenance to make sure your home's foundation walls remain in good condition. This maintenance revolves primarily around handling cracks, water damage, settling, and displacement issues. Taking care of these issues requires specific knowledge and skills, so it's best left to the professionals. This helps prevent serious foundation problems and it's recommended you get maintenance checks done even if you're not aware of any current issues.

Foundation Retrofitting

In regions susceptible to earthquakes or other natural disasters, foundation repair contractors may offer foundation retrofitting services to enhance the strength of the current foundation and boost its ability to withstand seismic activity. If you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes, this is an essential service you should get sorted out sooner rather than later. Even if your home was built to withstand earthquakes, it's better to have that extra peace of mind and secure your safety.

Crawl Space Services

In addition to the services above, you may also receive crawlspace repair from reliable contractors who know the importance of taking care of a home's crawlspace. There are various signs you may need crawl space repairs, but a few key ones are wood rot, high energy bills, signs of animals, drywall cracks in the interior, or uneven floors. If you notice any of these issues, contact a foundation repair contractor as soon as possible for assistance.

Benefits of Hiring a Foundation Repair Contractor

Now, you understand what foundation repair contractors do. Let's take a brief look at the benefits of hiring contractors for these services rather than taking care of your foundation yourself.

Experience

Roping in the services of a foundation repair contractor grants you access to a wealth of experience and expertise accumulated over the years. A reputable foundation repair company has encountered a wide range of issues and possesses the knowledge to address them effectively. By entrusting them with your concerns, you can rest assured that they'll accurately diagnose the problem. Also, they have access to reliable solutions and techniques, ensuring the job is completed correctly.

Fast Service

A reputable foundation repair company can provide prompt services by leveraging a team of specialized workers, each proficient in different aspects of the process. By dividing tasks into manageable portions, the project can be efficiently completed within a reasonable timeframe, minimizing disruptions to your daily routine. Additionally, the entire repair process is typically completed more swiftly. With their experience, these professionals can quickly and effectively overcome any challenges that may arise.

Safety

The safety of your family is your top priority, so it's only natural that you want to ensure your foundation is in good shape. That's why, when it comes to the structural integrity of your home, it's crucial not to leave anything to chance. By hiring the services of a professional foundation repair contractor, you can be certain that all necessary safety measures will be implemented. Contractors possess the expertise and understanding to work safely on your foundation, ensuring the job is done correctly. Furthermore, hiring a contractor can help prevent injuries, as they'll provide essential safety equipment like gloves and glasses and their proficiency allows them to proactively prevent accidents from occurring in the first place.

Quality Workmanship

Foundation repair contractors are required to adhere to specific quality standards and maintain professionalism to sustain their business. Failing to meet these standards can result in the loss of customers and potential legal consequences. Not only will the foundation repair be durable, but it will also be aesthetically pleasing because the contractors have years of knowledge on how to do a good job that also looks great. You won't have to worry that unsightly repair work will be carried out on your home's foundation.

Peace of Mind

By working with foundation repair contractors, you can free yourself from concerns about costly mistakes or not receiving the full value of your investment. The cost of foundation repair is generally more affordable when hiring professionals compared to attempting it yourself. The last thing you want is to waste money on a repair that doesn't withstand the test of time, so hiring professionals is the only way to go. With the assistance of skilled foundation repair services, you can have peace of mind, knowing that the foundation of your home will remain sturdy for many years, if not decades, without any issues.

Now you know all you need to know about foundation repair contractors. Be sure to call our team of experts at Foundations First Northwest to receive assistance with your foundation. We'll help you assess and determine the best course of action if your foundation needs repairs.