Introduction:
Sprucing up your home is like unlocking a treasure trove of excitement. Handpicking the perfect paint, adding those charming accessories, and eagerly waiting for the magic to happen – it’s a thrill like no other. And when you finally unveil the transformation to your friends, their amazed expressions are the ultimate reward.
But hold on a second; foundation repair a less glamorous side to consider. Yep, we’re talking about fixing the very base of your home – not exactly as exciting as picking out new furniture or experimenting with paint colors.
Now, it’s natural to lean towards first giving your home a facelift. After all, who wouldn’t want to see those stunning changes right away? But let’s pause momentarily and ask ourselves: Is that the smartest move?
Here at Guardian Foundation Repair, we’re well-acquainted with the homes of Knoxville. Through our experience, we’ve witnessed the outcomes of addressing foundational issues before and after implementing other alterations. We’ve learned that doing things in the right order matters a lot.
In this article, we’ll tell you what’s smarter to do first and why. We’ll also talk about fixing home bases and how it prepares your home for the cool changes you want to make later. Let’s explore the best way to make your home amazing!
Should I Remodel or Do Foundation Repairs First, and Why?
This is a common question many homeowners face when planning to improve their homes. The answer is quite straightforward: If you have the choice, it’s usually better to do Foundation Repairs before starting any remodeling work.
Why is that? Well, think of your home like a puzzle. The foundation is the base – it’s what holds everything together. If the base is not strong, any changes or improvements you make on top of it might not work well in the long run.
Suppose you see things like doors not closing properly or cracks in your walls or bricks; that indicates foundation settlement. Foundation settlement, in more technical terms, denotes the sinking or downward shift of your home from its original level. Certain sections or the entirety of your foundation are slanting away from its initial construction alignment.
Opting for foundation repairs as the primary step sets a strong and stable base for any remodeling you want to do later. If you try to remodel first without fixing the foundation, you might have to redo things because the problems with the base could affect the new changes you make.
How to Identify Issues with Your House Foundation Repair
Look for common and noticeable signs of foundation issues to determine whether your Knoxville home is dealing with foundation problems.
Here are some things you should watch out for:
- Windows Acting Up: If your windows are not opening or closing as smoothly as they should, it could be a sign of foundation trouble.
- Cracks in Floors: Check for cracks in your floor tiles. These can indicate shifts in your foundation.
- Cracks in Bricks: Cracks in the brickwork of your home can also suggest foundation problems.
- Stubborn Doors: If your doors are becoming difficult to close properly, it might be due to foundation issues causing structural shifts.
- Foundation Cracks: Direct cracks in the foundation are a significant red flag.
- Broken Window Glass: Cracked window glass can result from foundation shifts.
- Moisture in Basement or Crawl Space: Finding water in your basement or crawl space could be linked to foundation troubles.
- Uneven Floors: Floors that are not level or are sloping could be an indicator of foundation problems.
- Gaps in Walls or Ceiling: If you notice gaps between walls and the ceiling or floor, it might be due to foundation shifts.
- Leaning Walls: Walls that are tilting or leaning could signify foundation issues.
- Cracks in Walls or Ceiling: Any cracks in the walls or ceiling, especially those that keep returning after repair, might be due to an unstable foundation.
If you spot any of these signs, there’s a chance that your home’s foundation is at risk. It’s a good idea to reach out to a foundation repair expert in Knoxville to assess the situation and recommend the necessary solutions.
What Goes into Foundation Repair and Possible Problems?
Foundation repair is quite a process, and how much work is needed depends on the severity of the problems. Sometimes, a foundation contractor might need to lift your house a bit, especially if the issues are serious. However, lifting your house can cause significant damage to various parts of your home.
The lifting can affect areas like countertops, floors, and even the roof. Now, imagine if you’ve recently renovated any of these places before fixing the foundation; all the money and time you spent on the remodeling could be wasted because of the repair process.
Here’s another thing to consider: plumbing. It’s important to keep an eye on your plumbing when dealing with foundation repair. Even after the foundation contractor fixes the foundation, it’s a smart move to check your plumbing regularly. That’s because sometimes, fixing the foundation can lead to plumbing problems.
After the foundation repair is done, experts suggest doing something called a hydrostatic test on your plumbing. This special test helps find out if there’s any damage to your pipes or sewer system.
How Will Foundation Repair Help My Home Before a Remodel?
If you’re thinking about sprucing up your home, considering foundation repair first can offer some fantastic advantages. Here’s how it can benefit you:
Stability
Foundation repair ensures that your home’s base is strong and stable. It involves adding extra support beneath your home. This is crucial, especially in areas where the soil’s movement can be challenging. This extra support, often called underpinning, comes in various forms depending on your foundation type and the chosen repair technique. The primary aim is to halt any further sinking or settling in areas that have already shifted.
Some of the common house foundation repair methods used by our specialist in Tennessee to stabilize your foundation include:
- Piering involves installing piers deep into the ground beneath your foundation. These piers provide strong support and help lift your home to its original position.
- Slab jacking is a common technique for concrete slab foundations. It involves injecting a special material beneath the slab to lift and level it.
- Helical Piers are screw-like piles driven into the ground to support your foundation. They work well in areas with unstable soil.
- Concrete Pressed Piles are concrete columns pressed into the ground to support and stabilize your foundation.
- Steel Push Pin Pier systems are similar to helical piers, driven into the ground to lift and stabilize your foundation.
Each method has its strengths and is chosen based on the specifics of your foundation and the issues it’s facing. Our foundation repair specialists carefully assess your home and recommend the most suitable method to ensure long-lasting stability. Once the foundation is strong, you can move forward with your remodeling plans!
Level Surface
Prioritizing foundation repair establishes a level and strong foundation for your remodeling endeavor. It’s common for many homes to not be perfectly level from the start (and that’s alright). As a foundation repair company, we aim to restore your home to its original level. This way, when you make updates, such as adding rooms or renovating spaces, you do so on a sturdy foundation. This minimizes the chances of issues cropping up later on. It also ensures that all the different parts of your home fit together just like they did when your home was first built.
Seamless Remodeling
Remodeling contractors and skilled professionals prefer to work on a level and steady foundation. It simplifies their work and speeds up the process since they don’t need to deal with unevenness or misalignment in your home.
When installing cabinets or countertops, these items are meant to be level. If your home’s foundation is already close to being level (instead of uneven), contractors won’t have to spend much time adjusting things. Everything starts on the right foot.
Taking care of your foundation repairs before remodeling also comes with another perk. It can help you with warranty claims and future issues. If you fix the foundation first, it could void warranties for things like window and door installations. So, by putting foundation repair first, you’re safeguarding your investments and ensuring a smoother remodeling process.
Longevity
By addressing foundation problems early, you’re setting the stage for the long-term health of your home. A strong foundation supports your home’s structure and can extend the lifespan of any renovations you make.
Building a Solid Remodeling Foundation with Expert Foundation Repair Specialists
When it comes to home makeovers, making the right decisions is crucial. Now that you understand the significance of addressing foundation problems before a remodel, it’s time to take the next step: a home foundation inspection. This inspection will give you a clear picture of your foundation’s condition and help you plan for the necessary repairs. During the inspection, experts will pinpoint existing issues and create a detailed fix plan with cost estimates.
At Guardian Foundation Repair, we’re well aware that any changes to your foundation can affect every aspect of your home, and that’s why we’re dedicated to providing expert solutions that ensure your home’s stability and longevity. With years of experience serving the people in and around Knoxville, we understand the unique challenges foundations can face in our region. Our comprehensive foundation inspections go beyond the surface, delving deep into the issues lurking beneath.
Our main goal is to ensure your remodeling journey succeeds and that your home remains enjoyable and steady. And it all begins with a strong foundation. If you’re considering a professional foundation inspection, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We offer complimentary foundation inspections in the Knoxville, TN, area.
Let us help you set the right foundation for a remarkable remodeling experience.