If a homeowner gets a quote to fix a foundation problem, and that quote is super high, like $45,000, for example, is it wise to get a second opinion? Check this podcast out for the answer.
Narrator: It's time once again for the Crackman podcast, hosted by A1 Foundation Crack Repair. I'm Darren Kincaid and I'm here with the crackdaddy himself, Adam Tracy. Adam has 20 years of experience in the construction industry and as a civil engineer, is A1 Foundation's resident engineer on staff solving a plethora of beneath foundation problems everyday. This podcast provides expert basement waterproofing, concrete repair, and preventative maintenance tips for homeowners and businesses. A1 Foundation's valuable insight will help avert the disaster of a flooded basement, health problems of water infiltration and protect your biggest investment, your home. The topic of today's podcast: Does it really cost $45,000 to fix my foundation problem?
Narrator: So Adam, if a homeowner gets a quote to fix a foundation problem and that quote is super high like $45,000, for example, is it wise to get a second opinion?
Adam: It's not only wise, but I would highly encourage getting a second opinion when you get a quote that approaches that kind of dollar value. The reality is that most foundation issues — and when I say most, I mean the vast majority, well over 95% of homes in the New England area — are not going to have foundation problems that approach anywhere near that price threshold.
So why are people getting quotes that are going to be $50,000, $60,000, or even $100,000 to repair? Well, in very rare circumstances, you're going to have homes that have major structural deficiencies. The nice thing about New England is that our soil is awesome. A lot of these big companies are actually located in the Midwest and the South, where they’re used to really saturated, deep soil layers and poor soil conditions. Here, we have very bony soil with lots of glaciated till and exposed bedrock. Most houses here have stability that many other regions simply don’t have.
What they’re trying to do is apply their knowledge of poor soil conditions and assume that every foundation issue here in New England is a major soil issue. The reality is that most cracks and foundation issues fall into three major categories.
First, you have cosmetic issues, which are usually nothing to worry about. Maybe you do a little preventative maintenance to stay ahead of it before it becomes a bigger issue.
Second, you have maintenance issues. Foundation cracks are generally maintenance issues that need to be taken care of. Water entry problems also fall into this category.
Then you have the structural category. Even within that category, there are usually solutions well below that huge price threshold that can stabilize and preserve the foundation for the duration of your homeownership and beyond.
When we look at a foundation issue, we’re not trying to sell you a massive solution. We’re trying to fix the actual problem you have. So when you get these large quotes and start wondering, “My neighbor had a foundation crack fixed for under $1,000, and now this guy is telling me I need to lift my house because it’s sinking and I’m off by 12 inches and it’s going to cost $50,000,” it’s probably a good idea to get a second opinion.
Most of these issues are not that big of a deal, and many are very simple to fix. You want to make sure you have a trusted partner because good solutions should be adaptive. As the needs of the foundation grow, the repair approach can grow with them. Most foundations are stable, steady, repairable, and never need to be thought about again after the repair is completed.
Whether it’s a crack, bowing walls, loose stones in an older home, or water coming in, you want to take a pragmatic, step-by-step approach to figure out exactly what’s happening.
And if it is a huge issue, we’ll let you know. Our name is on the job, and the last thing we want is for you to end up with something unsafe, impossible to sell, or risky for your family.
If there is a larger foundation issue developing, usually we can spot it early on. That’s what 35 years in business does for you, along with having staff who are familiar with the area because they’ve lived and grown up here.
So you want to make sure you’re working with someone you can trust. If you’re getting a large foundation quote and thinking, “This just doesn’t sound right,” get that second opinion. A lot of times there are options that cost far less and can solve the problem in just one day.
Narrator: Well thanks Adam for explaining why a large price quote for foundation repair should always be challenged with a second opinion.
Narrator: If you have a basement water problem and think you need a professional or if you'd like more information on foundation crack repair and basement waterproofing topics, please visit A1foundationcrackrepair.com or call Adam at (866) 929-3171 or you can email Adam at info@a1foundationcrackrepair.com. Thanks for listening and keep that basement dry.