Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Important Information About Finding A Competent Foundation Repair Consultant

By Patty Goff


When a crack appears in a floor, wall, or ceiling, many homeowners merely dismiss it or simply patch it up. However this can be an indicator of a more serious issue, namely a problem with the integrity of the foundation. In such a case it is essential to seek the services of a professional foundation repair consultant. Dallas, TX residents should keep these guidelines in mind when they are selecting the best company to handle this situation.

This is a serious concern which should not be taken lightly by someone who is not an expert in this area of repair. The safety of the entire building depends on a sound foundation, which is why customers are advised to get at least three licensed contractors to assess the situation. Time is of the essence when it comes to structural integrity, waiting too long can cause further disintegration and will likely raise the cost of the repair.

The contractor whom one decides to hire, should have had his work assessed and successfully approved by the ICC-ES (International Code Council Evaluation Services), an organization dedicated to ensuring that all building products used in structural remedial work are up to code. It is normal to expect that an honest contractor will charge extra for the installation of any hydraulic pilings placed past a depth of 20 to 30 feet.

The homeowner should also inquire about the training and certification for all employees of the company and ask to see their certification card. Their number of years work experience, how they test the piles and piers used in repairs, are these materials patented, do they have a protective coating, and how many different types of these components are implemented are also good questions to ask in order to evaluate the quality of their work.

Both the workmanship and the building products used should be covered by a warranty. The best option is a transferable limited lifetime warranty, perhaps offered with a warranty trust, which guarantees that if the business goes under, there is still coverage. The company also needs to present evidence of having general liability and workers compensation insurance.

The customer service should also be acceptable. Clients should be able to contact the contractor easily any time if they have any questions or concerns throughout the course of the work and even afterwards. There are some companies which will include a yearly re-inspection free of charge to customers as further reassurance.

During an inspection, the consultant will normally take the dimensions of the residence, do a visual assessment, measure its interior and exterior foundation elevations, and note any cracks or other evidence of faults in the foundations. This process typically takes about two hours.

The customer should then be presented with a complete service plan that describes all problems detected during the inspection and also details the appropriate course of action needed to remedy them. This plan should list the type and location of pilings and also give a cost estimate for the work. It should also state what the customer should expect from the repair as well as what not to expect, and give indications for any actions needed to maintain a strong structure




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