February 20, 2017

It’s important to note that fixing foundation issues is typically costly. So the sooner you detect problems, the better. There are various warning signs you can look for to help identify when an inspection is needed. You can consult with a construction professional in Los Angeles about hiring a qualified inspector.

If you end up waiting too long to fix foundation problems, you can expect to pay tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. In order to save money and heartache, you can use the following tips to detect foundation problems as soon as possible.

Top Indoor Signs Your Foundation is in Trouble

Over time, houses and buildings begin to settle, which causes them to become a little uneven. This alone isn’t a big deal, but things can take a turn for the worse if you see any of the following signs:

• You notice a door is starting to jam or won’t latch.
• There are cracks in the walls, above windows, doorways and/or where the ceiling connects with the wall.
• Your ceramic, concrete or vinyl tile are beginning to crack open.
• Windows no longer open and close as easily as they once did, or won’t close all the way.

At this point, you’re going to need some home remodeling done by an expert in Los Angeles who is experienced in foundation repair.

What to Look for On the Exterior

From the outside of your home, you can view the foundation to see if it runs straight from one corner to the other. The walls should also stand straight. A level can be used to determine if your walls are leaning. If you notice curvature in the block foundation or concrete wall, then this is a sign of shifting. The soil at the foundation may also contract and expand, placing more pressure onto your walls.

The Costs of Fixing Your Foundation

The actual costs for fixing a problematic foundation all comes down to the general contractors you speak to in Los Angeles. Some will have higher prices than others, so you’ll need to do your due diligence. Make sure you gauge the contractors’ expertise rather than going for the lowest bidder.

If you notice your foundation has cracks larger than a quarter of an inch, then this can be injected with epoxy for between $1,500 and $3,000. This can also be done for stairs made with brick or blocks.

It’s very important to find the source of the problem, which in this case could be water accumulation in the soil around your foundation. Make sure you have good drainage to prevent this from continuing to happen.

If you have issues with an uneven foundation, then the cost can be between $500 and $700 for adding wood and steel braces. This is installed against your wall and attached to your floors and the overhead joists. This will help to prevent more movement. Another option is to have wall anchors installed at every six to eight feet. This could cost between $400 and $600. If your foundation needs to be excavated, then this can run upwards of $30,000 to $40,000.

It all really comes down to the problems and the fixes required. You can consult with general contractors in Los Angeles to see what has to be done and what you can do to prevent future foundation problems.