Your home is probably the biggest investment you will ever make, so it is natural to want to ensure it is safe and secure. However, sometimes things beyond your control can compromise that safety, and this includes problems that may develop with the foundation of your home. If this happens, you need to ensure you take action swiftly, as minor issues can turn into major ones before you know it.
The problem with foundation issues is that you do not always know there is anything wrong – after all, most of us know little or nothing about the foundations of properties. However, signs such as cracks appearing in walls and floors, uneven floors, and collapsing retaining walls can give you more of an idea if there is something wrong. So, what steps should you take if you think there is a problem with the foundation of your home?
What You Need to Do
The sooner you act if you suspect there is an issue, the better it will be for both your home and your peace of mind. The first thing you need to do is to call on an expert to come out and check the foundation. By doing this, they can then determine whether there is actually an issue or whether the issues you are experiencing are down to something else. In addition, a professional can determine how urgent the issue is if there is a problem, and how quickly it needs to be dealt with.
You then need to work out what the costs will be to have the foundation repairs carried out. Of course, when it comes to the foundation of your home, you need to get the repairs carried out as the problem could get worse and pose a danger. In addition, as it gets worse, it will become more expensive to put right. So, talk to the professional to find out what the total foundation repair costs will be. Once you know the costs, you need to do some number crunching and work out how you will pay. If the cost is higher than your budget allows, you may need to look at options such as using a credit card or getting a loan to fund the work. Your options will depend on your situation as well as your credit score.
Once you have worked out the financial side of things, you need to find out when the work can commence and how long it is likely to take. This can depend on the type of damage and the severity of the problem. If there is going to be a lot of disruption for major damage, you may even want to consider relocating to a friend’s house or a family member. The professional that comes to look at your foundation will be able to advise you whether this will be necessary.
So, these are the initial steps you need to take if you believe you may have a problem with your foundation.Â