Foundation Replacement: What Homeowners Should Know
You might need to replace your foundation if it’s beyond repair. Unfortunately, this is a major project that can cost thousands of dollars. However, you could generate a return on your investment by improving your home’s structural stability and family’s safety.
Learn the signs of damage, replacement costs, and foundation repair alternatives below.
How Does Foundation Replacement Work?
Foundation replacement may seem complex, but it’s pretty straightforward. Experts lift and support your home, remove the old foundation, install a new one, and carefully set your home back in place for lasting stability. This process requires specialized equipment and expertise to ensure the structural integrity of your home.
How Much Does Foundation Replacement Cost?
Foundation repair costs vary depending on many factors, such as the severity of damage. However, expect to pay $300-$1,000 for every linear foot of foundation replaced. The following factors may affect foundation replacement costs:
- Location: Costs may be lower if your property has space for heavy equipment to remove excavated soil and debris.
- Existing Basement: Replacing a foundation under a basement may cost more due to the extra excavation required.
- Adding a Basement: Installing a new foundation with a basement increases costs.
- Partial vs. Full Replacement: Replacing an entire foundation is more expensive than repairing sections.
- Resale Impact: While foundation replacement is an investment, it can add value to your home by reassuring buyers that the foundation is stable and secure.
Here are a few additional tips to consider when planning a foundation replacement:
- Foundation replacement costs should include grading, permits, and excavation. Also, ensure your new foundation includes a warranty.
- Avoid unnecessary repairs by having a foundation repair expert or structural engineer inspect your foundation before committing to work.
- If soil is a concern, have a geotechnical engineer assess the issue and recommend solutions.
Foundation Replacement Alternatives
Foundations with minor issues may not require replacement. In some cases, foundation underpinning can lift the structure to its original position. When performed correctly, this method offers a permanent solution. The three foundation piering methods include:
Hydraulic Push Piers
Foundation repair experts lift foundations with hydraulic push piers. The process involves:
- Attaching steel brackets to your foundation
- Attaching a hydraulic ram to the brackets
- Driving the push piers into the ground until they reach load-bearing soil
- Placing hydraulic jacks on top of the push piers
- Raising your foundation
- Removing the hydraulic jacks
Helical Piers
Professionals often use helical piers for raising foundations. The process involves:
- Twisting the helical piers into the ground until they get to load-bearing soil
- Attaching hydraulic jacks to the piers
- Lifting your foundation
Drilled Concrete Piers
Drilled concrete slab piers help stabilize foundations built on hillsides or those affected by soil creep, which occurs when soil gradually moves downhill. Here’s how this foundation repair method works:
- Drilling large holes next to your foundation with a drill rig
- Placing reinforcement cages into the holes
- Pouring concrete into the holes to create drilled concrete piers
Repair expenses depend on the depth, diameter, and number of piers used. If a standard drill rig can’t access your home, a contractor might need a portable one, which may increase costs.
What Are the Signs and Causes Of Foundation Damage?
All foundations move slightly over time, which is normal. However, problems occur when a foundation settles at different rates, leading to differential settlement. Causes of differential settlement include:
- Expansive clay soils
- Improperly compacted soil before construction
- High water tables that cause soil movement
- Large tree root growth near the foundation
- Poor initial construction
Regardless of the cause, it’s important to address differential settlement as soon as possible. If you notice any problem signs, contact a foundation repair expert like Groundworks.
The Signs of Foundation Damage
Foundation damage presents itself in various ways, including:
- Wall, ceiling, and floor cracks
- Sticking doors and windows
- Uneven floors
- Drywall Cracks
- Molding separating the walls and ceiling
- Stairstep cracks in brick walls
- Gaps between walls, ceilings, and floors
Identifying these signs early on reduces the likelihood of more significant problems later. Contact a foundation repair expert for a free inspection to ensure safety.
Contact Groundworks for Expert Foundation Solutions
There may still be time to avoid a full foundation replacement. Groundworks inspects your home, identifies early warning signs, and provides customized repair solutions to prevent further damage.
Contact us for a tailored repair plan that fits your needs and budget.
Foundation Repair FAQs
Yes, foundation repair restores the stability and integrity of your building, preventing further damage. Solutions like helical piles and polyurethane injection provide long-lasting support for your foundation.
Our repair methods, such as polyurethane injection and helical piles, are designed to minimize disruption. We aim to complete most repairs efficiently to reduce the impact on your business.
A stable foundation strengthens your home’s structure and prevents collapse or shifting, reducing the risk of severe damage during an earthquake.
