How to Protect Yourself During a Foundation Repair Project Part Four of a Four Part Series

Find the Right Tool for the Right Job

Foundation problems have been around as long as there have been foundations. Since the Bronze Age, people have been trying to fix failing foundations. That's a long time to create, test, and redesign repair technology, but the best advances have been made in only the last 10 years or so. Regardless of the type of technology that you decide to use to fix your home, it is essential to ask the following questions.

Are the products being used by this company designed for the soil conditions and problems that I am experiencing?

With so many products on the market, most of us rely on our chosen company to tell us which solution is right for us. Unfortunately, some solutions just aren't ideal for the soil conditions present in Colorado's Front Range, for example.

In fact, concrete erodes quickly when exposed to soil sulfites (naturally occurring salts found in the soils of many areas of Colorado), just like your sidewalk or driveway deteriorate rapidly if you use table salt to melt winter ice off of them. In the same way, concrete piles can be particularly vulnerable to sulfite attack, and may not retain their structural integrity over the long haul.

Another potential issue is when a product is used for an application for which it was not intended, such as using a square shaft pier to support a vertical load. These products were designed to resist pull out (tension) forces, not to bear the weight (compression) of a structure. Premature failure may result. Consider the following checklist for important things to ask about before hiring a contractor.

Does the company you are considering...

--respond quickly and courteously to your requests for information or estimates?

--have the right tools for a quick and accurate diagnosis of problems?

--provide homeowners with a free, professional evaluation and estimate?

--have a history of success in this field, or are they simply a jack-of-all-trades or GC?

--take pride in its accreditation and record with Better Business Bureau?

--staff your job exclusively with factory trained technicians?

--fully insure your home and all workers?

--proudly provide references for the specific type of work you need done?

--hold proper licensing with the local building authorities?

--utilize an on-site engineer?

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