Foundation replacement is an integral part of home improvement and maintenance. When it comes to repairing or replacing the foundation of your home, there are two main options: total foundation replacement or repairing the existing foundation. Which one is right for you will depend on many factors. For starters, how long has your home been on the market for? This will be a determining factor whether you should go with a total foundation replacement or repairing your existing foundation.
If your home has been on the market for less than two years, then there’s little need to replace the foundation at all. It’s not that costly, and the time required to prepare and install a new foundation will more than pay for itself in the savings. However, if your home has been on the market for more than two years, it’s likely that the foundation is already suffering from wear and tear. In this case, you should consider a variety of options including repairing the foundation, purchasing new foundations, or building a new home altogether. Ultimately, your home’s value may be impacted negatively if a new foundation is built instead of repaired.
Even if your home is still on the market, and has not been on the market for more than two years, it is important to consider at least a minimal level of foundation repair. Foundation problems are typically more severe when they are more advanced. Therefore, doing anything to avoid future problems with your foundation is a good idea. However, even when you’re considering a minimal foundation repair job, you should also consider total foundation replacement. At this point, you would have completed repairs to your existing foundation, but you would also have replaced the existing foundation walls.
Before deciding upon a total foundation replacement or a minimal amount of foundation repair, it’s important to find out exactly what needs to be done. Ideally, your home’s foundation should be solid and stable. If it isn’t, there may be other options that will work better for your foundation repair needs.
Many older homes have cemented or concrete basement walls. Although these walls are more common in older homes, you may still want to consider a new foundation. In some cases, cements or concrete can crack, and move, allowing water to seep through and damage the interior of your home. A new foundation may be needed, if the wall is going to need to be relocated.
In many cases, older homes may have floor systems. If the floor joist has suffered water damage and the wall is starting to separate from the floor, a new foundation wall can be installed. In addition to providing additional stability, a stronger wall will also be more resistant to damage from moisture. If your existing floor system has been affected by water, it may be time to replace the entire floor. This process can be messy, however, so if your foundation has suffered significant damage, hiring a professional to do it may be a better option.
A new wall can provide many benefits for your foundation repair needs. For one thing, a new wall may allow you to install new windows or doors. This will increase the space in your basement, as well as improving the exterior appeal of your home. New walls can also help keep out damp, moist air. If your home’s heating and cooling systems are beginning to malfunction or if the walls are not holding air back, a new wall may be the answer.
Before you make the final decision on which foundation repairs are necessary, get an assessment from a licensed foundation expert. You may find that the problem lies with your foundation and that a new wall is exactly what your home needs. If you find a crack in the basement wall, but the rest of the house is okay, don’t hesitate to call a foundation professional. After all, only professionals have access to certain repairs that you might not be able to do on your own. With a little bit of research and the help of a trustworthy professional, you can save yourself money and property damage by repairing your foundation today. And with a new wall, you’ll be able to breathe easier knowing that your house is protected.