Does Lafayette foundation repair affect home value? Is it worth getting my Lafayette foundation repaired or should I sell my house instead? Our foundation repair experts share their advice below on what foundation repair is, why you’d need it, and what to look for in a contractor.
What Is Foundation Repair?
Foundation repair is the process of stabilizing and/or restoring the foundation of a structure to its original condition. This can be done for both residential and commercial properties. The most common type of foundation damage is settling, which occurs when the soil beneath the foundation shifts or erodes. This can cause cracks in the foundation, walls, and floors. Other types of damage include:
- Heaving (when the soil expands)
- Sinking (when the foundation settles)
- Tilting (when one side of the foundation sinks)
Leaving foundation issues will create problems with your home that could have been avoided with professional services such as foundation repair in Lafayette. We can help make sure your home has stable ground, so you don’t have to worry about it any longer!
Signs You Need Lafayette Foundation Repair
Foundation problems are serious business. Not only can they cause your home to settle and crack, but they can also lead to costly repairs down the road. That’s why it’s important to be on the lookout for signs that your foundation may be in need of repair. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to call in a professional
- Cracks in exterior walls, particularly around doors and windows
- Cracks in interior walls and ceilings
- Concrete or vinyl floors that are buckling or sloping downward in certain areas of your home
- Windows and doors that no longer line up correctly with their frames.
It’s important to have a professional take a look at your foundation to diagnose what type of work is needed and to provide you with an estimate before starting any work. Some fixes, like patching the foundation wall, require just one day, while other more extensive repairs may take a few weeks depending on the severity of the damage. The best thing about this type of repair is that it usually doesn’t change anything structural about your home (although there are exceptions). Plus, once completed, it will help prevent future related issues from arising!
Repair Options
When your foundation is damaged, you have a few options for repair. You can choose to do nothing and hope the problem fixes itself, which is rarely the case. You can patch the cracks and holes, which will stop the damage from spreading but will not fix the underlying issue. You can also choose to completely replace your foundation, which is a major undertaking but will fix the problem for good.
Your home’s foundation provides structural integrity to your entire home. Leaving foundation issues creates more costly repairs down the road on top of major safety issues for those living in your home. It’s important to be aware of any signs of foundation issues and get them addressed before they become a bigger problem.
There are options for foundation repair in Lafayette Louisiana. The first is to do nothing and leave it as is. This option is highly discouraged because it creates safety concerns as well as affects your homes resale value if you plan on selling it anytime soon. Foundation repair costs will most likely be a factor that reduces any future buyer’s offer. The second option is a quick fix which will keep your foundation from getting worse but won’t actually fix anything or stop your issues from coming back.
Lastly is addressing the underlying issue. This is highly encouraged because it allows you to safely reside in your home, increases your homes value, and reduces the likelihood of future related issues from occurring.
Hiring The Right Contractor
Most homeowners will pay around $4,774 to repair foundation issues. That’s quite a bit to spend which is why it’s important to work with a contractor you trust. Some tips to finding the right contractor include talking to your friends and family members who have had home repairs done recently. Researching online reviews can also be helpful if there are any companies in your area that specialize in foundation repair. If not, check online sites like Angie’s List for reviews of other contractors in your area and contact them for more information on how they operate.
Be sure to ask them how long they’ve been in business, the type of projects they’ve worked on, and if they’re licensed and insured. A well-run company should offer these details without hesitation or question. Once you’ve narrowed down some possibilities, set up a consultation so they can see what needs to be repaired first hand and provide an estimate based on the results of their inspection.
Ultimately, foundation repair shouldn’t impact your home value unless it was a shoddy job. Most foundation repair work is completed by experts who know exactly what they’re doing to remedy your situation.
