Saturday 18 October 2014

Important Information About Finding A Competent Foundation Repair Consultant

By Patty Goff


As homes age, they may develop cracks in their walls, ceilings, or floors, which may be a minor issue although in some cases it is a warning that a bigger problem is present, that being a structural weakness in the foundation. A professional foundation repair consultant will be able to conduct a thorough inspection and determine the nature of the cause. These basic tips will help Dallas, TX homeowners choose the best company for this job.

The nature of foundation repair is not one which a homeowner or handyman can safely tackle alone, therefore it is advisable to have the problem assessed by at least three licensed contractors who specialize in this area. Waiting longer to address this issue will possibly allow it to get worse, ultimately costing more to fix it. Getting an inspection and plan to correct the causative issues in a timely manner is imperative.

It is safest to choose to work only with those contractors whose practice has been evaluated and approved by an organization known as the ICC-ES(International Code Council Evaluation Services)which ensures that all building products implemented are up to code. A reputable company should also be expected to charge extra for the installation of pilings exceeding a depth of 20 to 30 feet.

The homeowner should also inquire about the training and certification for all employees of the company and ask to see their certification card. Their number of years work experience, how they test the piles and piers used in repairs, are these materials patented, do they have a protective coating, and how many different types of these components are implemented are also good questions to ask in order to evaluate the quality of their work.

Both the workmanship and the building products used should be covered by a warranty. The best option is a transferable limited lifetime warranty, perhaps offered with a warranty trust, which guarantees that if the business goes under, there is still coverage. The company also needs to present evidence of having general liability and workers compensation insurance.

The customer service should also be acceptable. Clients should be able to contact the contractor easily any time if they have any questions or concerns throughout the course of the work and even afterwards. There are some companies which will include a yearly re-inspection free of charge to customers as further reassurance.

During an inspection, the consultant will normally take the dimensions of the residence, do a visual assessment, measure its interior and exterior foundation elevations, and note any cracks or other evidence of faults in the foundations. This process typically takes about two hours.

The customer should then be presented with a complete service plan that describes all problems detected during the inspection and also details the appropriate course of action needed to remedy them. This plan should list the type and location of pilings and also give a cost estimate for the work. It should also state what the customer should expect from the repair as well as what not to expect, and give indications for any actions needed to maintain a strong structure




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