Foundation Repair vs. Replacement: Which Option is Right for You?
Deciding whether to repair or replace your foundation can be a daunting and stressful task for any homeowner.
You might feel overwhelmed by the potential costs, the complexity of the work, and the urgency of the situation.
Rest assured, you are not alone in facing these concerns. Understanding the key factors that influence this decision can help you make the best choice for your home and your peace of mind.
Foundation Replacement
Total foundation replacement is extremely disruptive and very costly. Here’s what’s involved:
- The soil around your entire home is excavated.
- The entire structure is jacked up.
- The foundation and slab floor are demolished and removed.
- The foundation is rebuilt, the home is lowered, and the soil is replaced.
As you might imagine, replacement can take weeks to complete and be extremely expensive. It may damage your home’s interior walls, which are no longer stabilized by its foundation and flex as they’re jacked up to allow for the replacement.
More importantly, replacing your home’s foundation doesn’t address the reason it failed in the first place: poor soil conditions. You will be spending time and money replacing something that could very well fail again in the future.
Foundation Repair
In virtually all cases, this is the option we recommend.
Not only is it typically less costly than total foundation replacement, but most solutions can be completed in days rather than weeks. Some can even be completed on the same day.
But the main advantage of foundation repair is that the solutions that Foundation Recovery Systems use address the fundamental reason your home’s foundation failed– poor soil.
Our engineered steel piering systems bypass unstable soil and reach load-bearing soils or bedrock, permanently stabilizing your home.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
The third option when it comes to foundation issues is not repairing them.
This can be tempting too. After all, many foundation problems take months or even decades to develop. So, it can be easy to forget about it as you concentrate on what seem like more pressing issues.
Consider this, however: foundation problems don’t get better with time. And they will never be less expensive to repair than they are today. Foundation problems can also cause other issues elsewhere in the house.
Finally, there’s your home’s value. In certain states, The Real Estate Seller Disclosure Act requires that a seller tell potential home buyers about foundation problems. Realtors often tell us they have to reduce the price of a home with structural defects by 10-20% to sell it. What is your home worth in today’s market? Now, imagine losing that much money from your home’s value by not permanently fixing your foundation.
Foundation Repair with Foundation Recovery Systems is the Best Choice
Now that you’ve seen both sides of the decision, it’s clear that repair is often the most practical and cost-effective option.
Foundation Recovery Systems can help you make the right choice. Our engineered solutions have successfully repaired thousands of homes across the area over more than three decades.
Let us show you how we can restore your foundation and protect your home. Schedule a free inspection today and take the first step toward a safer, more secure home.
Replace vs. Repair Foundation FAQs
Foundation problems can escalate quickly, depending on their severity and type. Hydrostatic pressure can crack your foundation, allowing more moisture to infiltrate and cause further damage, including pipe leaks. This creates a cycle where hydrostatic pressure feeds itself, making repairs harder and potentially leading to a total foundation replacement if not addressed promptly. Similarly, tree roots and pests can destabilize soil and damage foundations.
Foundation repair offers various solutions, such as steel piering systems and wall reinforcements. It’s essential to have a repair expert guide you through the unique process for your foundation. If your foundation is sinking, professionals can recommend piering solutions to stabilize it. Additionally, carbon fiber straps, wall bracing systems, and wall anchors can help repair damaged foundation walls. After realignment, protective measures like sump pumps, interior drains, and dehumidifiers can be installed to manage moisture and prevent further damage.
Typically, repairs are possible until the foundation is severely compromised. Signs of damage include stair-step cracks, horizontal or diagonal cracks, drywall cracks, and uneven floors. Experts can provide a thorough inspection, identify the signs of a sinking foundation, and offer a free quote.
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