Home Foundation Problems and Scamming Repair Companies

[winos5]

Just had my foundation inspected by 2 foundation repair companies.   Got completely different assessments of what was wrong with detailed plans on how to fix it, both costing in excess of 15K to repair.  </p>


 </p>


Anyway, it got me thinking, and I did some research into it and ended up hiring an independent structural engineer to inspect.   Best $350 I ever spent.   No major problems, just settling in my 45 year old home with cosmetic and maintenance issues (drainage mainly).</p>


 </p>


So if you think your having a foundation problem get an independent engineer who is not selling a repair system to inspect first, before you undertake any major repairs.</p>

 

[BlackHawkPaul]

It's amazing how much I've learned as a homeowner since purchasing my first house in 2009.

Trial and error, but in your case Wino it seems like attempted rape. </p>

 

[MassHavoc]

What were some of the things they were saying was wrong? Also, from the service the engineer provided, what is he liable for if he's wrong?</p>

 

[Tater]

Very good advice Wino.</p>

 

[BlackHawkPaul]

Our house was built in 1892, and we're having slight issues with the front corner of our home.

The porch was changed at one point in time and they did not support the newer porch correctly, which has resulted in some noticeable settling.  I don't want to even fathom the cost of bringing in professionals to take care of the issue, but it may not settle further.</p>

 

[winos5]

The first company was a major chain in Texas.   They said one side of my home had sunk 3 inches (the garage) while the opposite side had sunk 1 inch.   They wanted to dig/tunnel every 5 feet around the perimeter of my house, breaking through concrete on the porch, driveway and patio to install a concrete cylinder pier system and raise the foundation.   Did not include repairing any of the cosmetic spalding damage to the edges of the foundation.   Total cost$17K</p>


 </p>


2nd company was a local company.   They said one part of the house over the major load baring foundation beam had sunk 1.75 inches.   Wanted to install similar concrete cylinder piers, but only in aboot 7-8 spots for $5K and inject the soil around the home with a chemical to "stabilize" it for $7K.  Offered to repair the cosmetic spalding damage for $4500.   They did mention that the garage was built intentionally at a lower elevation and had not sunk at all</p>


 </p>


Both companies used measurements inside and outside the home compared to home's original blue print supposedly.  Neither one mentioned anything about drainage issues around the foundation.   Neither company looked at measurements from original home inspection when we bought it or an engineer's report from a 2007 under foundation plumbing leak.</p>


 </p>


The independent engineer did measurements compared to the blue prints but also to both earlier reports.   He said there was some settling but no major change (greater than 1.5") and went over the measurements he got compared to those on the prior reports and blue prints.   One area has risen slightly which might indicate another plumbing leak, we will be having a static plumbing test soon for that.   He indicated that the real issue was drainage and walked around the house pointing out the problems and made recommendations for repairing the spalding damage as well.   He also explained why the pier systems they wanted to put in would not work and would actually damage the home more if they did lift it</p>

 

[MassHavoc]

Interesting indeed, was there any sign of drainage problems before he pointed them out?</p>

 

[winos5]

Yes, the gutters need to be replaced, and I need to figure out how to get the dog to stop digging next to the foundation all the time.   But, he also recommended some not so obvious like making a shallow ditch or swale around the perimiter of the house @ 4 feet from the house where the roof "drip line" would be, about 2 inches deep to channel roof run off away from the home.   Several others as well, a planting bed impeding drainage in one area, a sealant between the foundation and patio slap needing to be replaced.</p>