Your home foundation is one of the most crucial elements of your home. Objects like your windows, doors, and cabinets depend on it to remain stable and level. If you live in an area where home foundation repair is common like Dallas or Fort Worth, Texas. Homeowners may feel tempted to take matters into their own hands to save money on costly repairs.
As tempting as saving all that money is, home foundation repair is not a solo project that could be done on a weekend. When a DIYer attempts to fix foundation issues without professional knowledge, it can lead to bigger problems like more expensive repairs and possible safety hazards. In this blog, we’ll discuss why DIY foundation repair is a bad idea and why hiring a professional, like Maestro’s Foundation Repair, is the safest and most cost effective choice.
Possible Hazards of DIY Home Foundation Repair
Lack of Professional Knowledge About Foundations
Foundation problems may seem simple at the surface, but they are not just about cracks in the walls or uneven floors. There are plenty of reasons as to why these issues could occur. Some foundations could result from soil expanding and contracting shifting the foundation, water damage, or structural weaknesses during construction. Without having the right knowledge, diagnosing the root cause could be difficult. It requires expertise in structural engineering, soil science, and construction.
Without the right knowledge, a DIYer could make the mistake of handling the surface level issues rather than the actual problem that caused the damage in the first place. This can result in temporary fixes that don’t last the duration of your home ownership. It could possibly cause further damage to your foundation. Additionally, it could add to the repair cost since they would need to get rid of the incorrect work that was done.
Using the Wrong Materials Or Techniques
A common mistake DIYers may make when attempting their own foundation repair is using cheap and quick fixes. They may think that epoxies or construction sealants could work, but these materials only temporarily cover cracks, they do not solve the possible foundational shifts or soil related issues they may have.
Professional foundation repair companies use durable materials and techniques, such as reshimming, polyurethane foam injection, or steel reinforcements and underpinning, to name a few.
Using incorrect materials or techniques can make the problem worse, requiring more extensive and expensive repairs.
Safety Risks & Hazards
DIY home foundation repair often involves working with heavy tools, digging around your home’s foundation, demolition, and dealing with the possibility of structural instability. If you do not have the proper expertise, homeowners could be at risk of the following:
- Injury from lifting heavy materials or working in unstable conditions.
- Structural collapse if the foundation shifts unexpectedly.
- Damage to plumbing, electrical wiring, or gas lines buried near the foundation.
Professional foundation repair teams are trained to work safely, minimizing risks while ensuring a secure and lasting fix.
Financial Cost of DIY Repairs
Mistakes That Lead to Major Expenses
DIY foundation repair can often result in incomplete work. If the repair does not fix the underlying problem, these temporary fixes spread damage and lead to worsening cracks and shifts. If they continue to get worse, foundation repair companies will have to charge more to undo the work and fix the root of the problem, leading to higher repair costs down the road. Another way homeowners can incur expenses is with potential structural failure requiring a lot more than a correction in the foundation.
The upside of saving money in the long run may seem like a good measure now, but could end up costing you tens of thousands of dollars in future repairs if not done right.
Voiding Insurance & Warranty Coverage
Most homeowner’s insurance policies and home warranties do not cover unlicensed repairs. If you attempt a DIY fix and it fails, you may not be covered, leaving you responsible for the full cost of repairs. Additionally, professional foundation repair companies, like Maestro’s Foundation Repair, offer warranties on their work, providing long-term protection for the work that we do. We have financial plans as well, to help our customers afford their foundation repair.
Lowering Property Value
If you plan to sell your home, DIY foundation repairs can become a red flag for home buyers. Before closing on a property. It is customary to get the home inspected for any red flags that come up. Home inspectors can easily spot amateur home foundation repair attempts, and many buyers will walk away or offer a lower price to compensate for the risk of structural issues.
Professional repairs come with warranties and documentation. It makes it valuable for future buyers as it gives them peace of mind.
Why Professional Foundation Repair Is the Best Choice
Expert Diagnosis & Lasting Solutions
Foundation repair professionals have procedures that they go through during their inspections. They are better equipped to identify and correct the root of the problem. Home Foundation repair companies, like Maestro’s Foundation Repair, provide customized solutions that get the issue corrected in the first place.
Cost-Effective & Guaranteed Repairs
While DIY repairs may seem cheaper upfront, professional services provide quality solutions with warranties. This ensures your investment home remains safe, secure, and free from foundation issues.
When to Call a Foundation Repair Specialist
Knowing what to look out for if your home needs foundation repair can be tricky. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to call a professional:
- Windows not closing properly
- Doors getting caught
- Cracks on walls
Attempting to fix your home’s foundation on your own can be a costly mistake that leads to greater damage, safety risks, and financial losses. Foundation issues require specialized knowledge, quality materials, and advanced repair techniques that only experts can provide.
At Maestro’s Foundation Repair, we offer expert inspections, reliable solutions, and warranties to ensure your home foundation lasts. Avoid the headache and contact us today for a professional inspection and lasting repair solutions.