/ By Lee Abernethy / Home Values/ 0 Comments

How Foundation Repair Benefits Your Home’s Longevity

Foundation repair increases a home’s longevity by boosting the structural stability and preventing damage to other areas of the home, including floors, ceilings, walls, and roofs.

Foundations support all other areas of the home, from the roof to the flooring system. As a result, problems affecting the foundation can have numerous effects, as well as decrease the lifespan of the property you work so hard to maintain. Accordingly, time is of the essence to use the right foundation repair services to enhance stability and prevent future issues from occurring.

Problems That Can Impact Home Foundations

Moisture exposure is one of the most common issues affecting foundations. While concrete foundations are highly durable, they’re not completely impervious to water damage. As concrete absorbs water, it can become cracked and weakened over time.

Water damage often results from negative drainage around the home, which means that water is flowing toward the property instead of away from it.

Soil movement is another serious issue that can affect foundations. Soil naturally contracts and expands along with changes in weather and humidity, which can lead to pressure on the foundation when soil becomes too dense with moisture. Soil erosion can have an equally damaging effect, as it causes holes to form under the foundation, which will diminish overall support.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Foundation and Home

Many causes of foundation damage may be out of your control, which can greatly impact the longevity of your property. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to remedy these issues effectively:

  • Concrete Underpinning – Concrete footings help distribute the weight of a structure evenly to prevent sinking and sagging. With concrete underpinning repair, additional concrete is poured underneath the existing footings to boost the durability of the foundation and prevent future problems from occurring.
  • Piers – Soil issues are often remedied by piers, which can help stabilize foundations. Depending on the unique issues affecting your foundation, the repair specialist may recommend steel push piers, drilled piers, or concrete pressed pilings, each of which utilizes a distinct design to address specific problems.
  • Crawlspace Encapsulation – Crawlspaces, which are unfinished areas that sit between the home and the earth below, can fall victim to moisture issues. Crawlspace encapsulation often entails placement of a vapor barrier to stop water damage from impacting the home. Teams can also use devices like dehumidifiers and sump pumps to decrease moisture levels.

These foundation repair processes not only prevent new issues from occurring but also help identify and resolve existing ones. They can also extend the lifespan of your home to ensure you get the most out of your investment.

Learn More About Your Foundation Repair Options Today

If you’re not sure which type of foundation repair service is right for your property, contact Align Foundation Repair to get started on a free estimate. We provide comprehensive foundation assessments throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area to help homeowners choose the best possible repair solution for their needs.

Investor show hand holding a model home and coin
/ By adminrm / Home Values/ / 0 Comments

Does Foundation Repair Add Value to Your Home?

Foundation repair adds value to your home by protecting it from serious structural damage. If your foundation is in trouble, then it’s important to have the problem corrected right away. Otherwise, you might find yourself on the hook for expensive repairs that will turn potential buyers away.

Does Foundation Repair Increase Home Value?

The answer is absolutely “yes,” foundation repair does increase home value, when you consider what may happen if structural problems in your foundation are allowed to develop and worsen.

Here’s what you can expect if foundation problems are not addressed:

  • Big repair bills – that will only grow bigger the longer you put off the work.
  • Declining home values – the housing market will de-value your home if it has serious structural integrity issues.
  • Difficulty selling your house – home inspectors will red-flag any obvious foundation problems to potential buyers.
  • Jeopardizing your quality of life – a failing foundation will impact every aspect of your home’s construction. Eventually, the floors and walls may begin to buckle, jeopardizing your wellbeing. In extreme cases, the home might even become unlivable.
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Head these problems off before they can start. Contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate.

Align Foundation Repair provides comprehensive foundation repair services that are affordable and backed by guarantees. If you are concerned about foundation problems impacting the value of your home, reach out to us today to schedule a free inspection.

Does Foundation Repair Affect Home Value?

Repairing your foundation will do more than protect your home. It will also lay the groundwork for future projects that will make your house not only more valuable but more enjoyable as well.

Having a strong, healthy foundation is a crucial first step before pursuing big home improvement projects, such as remodeling your kitchen or adding an extra room to your house.

Our Dallas-Fort Worth interior foundation repair professionals can help you ward off future trouble while maximizing your upcoming opportunities.

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Raise your home value and contact Align Foundation Repair today.

Foundation Repair Services You Can Trust

Here at Align Foundation Repair, we’re known and trusted throughout the local Dallas-Fort Worth area for our expertise and our ethics. Here’s what you can expect when you do business with us:

  • A thorough inspection of your home’s foundation – so you’ll know exactly what kind of shape it’s in.
  • A free, no-obligation estimate – giving you the facts you need to make an informed decision.
  • Rates that are fair and honest – we’ll do everything possible to make your foundation repairs affordable.
  • Work that’s guaranteed – once the repairs are complete, you can relax and enjoy some much-needed peace of mind.

Contact our North Texas foundation repair experts today to schedule a visit from one of our technicians. With our free inspection and price quote, you will get all the facts you need to make an informed decision about how best to address your home’s foundation issues.

Foundation Repair Inspection Free Estimate
/ By adminrm / Home Values/ / 0 Comments

Is Foundation Repair Worth It?

If your home has developed foundation problems, professional foundation repair is definitely worth the investment to protect your home’s value and livability. Here’s why:

  • No amount of home improvements can make up for a bad foundation – since the foundation is what supports the rest of the structure.
  • A strong, solid foundation is the first thing that a home inspector will look for – selling or financing a home with foundation problems is virtually impossible.
  • Foundation repair is more affordable than you may think – especially when you consider the many financing options that are available. Our customer service experts will be glad to give you all the details.

Let’s look at each of these points in more detail.

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Contact Align Foundation Repair to protect your home’s value and livability today.

Your Foundation Is the Most Important Part of Your Home

In America, the average family house weighs between 100,000 and 200,000 pounds. Your foundation’s job is to bear that heavy load 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Here’s what can happen when it begins to fail:

  • Floors start to sink – you will notice sagging or uneven floors.
  • Door and window frames begin to separate from the surrounding walls – making them hard to open or close.
  • The walls in your home can move out of square – giving the rooms an odd-looking oval shape.
  • Your roof can spring a leak – believe it or not, foundation damage can create a chain reaction that affects even your roof.

Align Foundation Repair provides professional foundation repair services to prevent and rectify these problems. The cost of putting off the work will only get higher over time, taking a bigger bite out of your finances.

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Seeing signs of trouble in your foundation? Contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate.

Keeping Your Home in Sellable Condition

Interested in selling your home? Remember, buyers will almost always hire a professional inspector to give your house a top to bottom check. Any trouble with the foundation will immediately become known to the potential purchaser, putting the sale in serious jeopardy.

With this in mind, it’s easy to see why foundation repair services are such a smart investment. The cost of being stuck with an unsellable home is too great a risk.

Worried about the cost? Don’t be! We have several financing options from which to choose. Our friendly staff will do everything possible to fit the repairs within your budget.

Foundation Repair You Can Trust

Contact us today to learn more about our Dallas-Fort Worth interior foundation repair services and to schedule your free, no-obligation inspection and estimate.

Our North Texas foundation repair experts will give you all the facts you need to make an informed decision. Make sure to ask about our special financing options!

/ By Chase Gohl / Home Values/ / 0 Comments

Should I Buy a House with Foundation Repair?

People often ask us, “Should I buy a house that has had foundation repair work?” The short answer is “yes.” However, the buyer should:

  • Know specifically what was done
  • Examine the warranty
  • Have the foundation inspected again before closing to make sure it is still in good shape

When buying a used car, it’s good to know about the vehicle’s history. Was it involved in a collision that required extensive frame repair? You should have the same attitude when buying a house. What repairs were done on it over the years? Remember, that just because recent repair work has been done on the foundation doesn’t mean that no problems currently exist.

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Contact Align Foundation Repair to check the repair history.

What You Need to Know about the Repairs

If foundation repair was done, that means that there were significant foundation problems in the past. If the workmanship was less than stellar, or if the soil conditions around the house are extremely poor, the foundation may run into serious issues again in the future. As a buyer, you can make an informed decision by learning as much as you can about the history of the repair work. Here are some questions to ask:

Who Performed the Repairs?

Look at the home seller’s repair report; what company is listed? Is it even a company or a freelance contractor? If a company, look up the service online. What are some reviews from prior customers? Be wary if the company has zero online presence. Even if the company doesn’t have a website, it should at least have one or two social media pages and a small handful of Google reviews.

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Work with a foundation repair company you can trust. Contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate.

What Repairs Were Done?

What method was used? For a typical residence, this will include concrete or steel piling or drilled piers. How many piers or piling were used? Were they concrete or steel? This should all be listed in the report. Were piers/piling installed in just one section or all over the home? The latter indicates a more serious repair. You should proceed with caution.

Get a Second Opinion

Perhaps the repair company has no online presence, or the repair work indicates significant damage. Is this a deal-breaker? Not necessarily; however, you should get a second professional opinion to err on the side of caution. This doesn’t mean a general home inspector but an actual licensed Dallas home foundation repair company. An evaluator can assess the previous repair work and determine whether it meets industry standards.

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Get your second opinion today. Contact Align Foundation Repair  for a free estimate.

Ask About the Warranty

If the repairs were done relatively recently, then the warranty should still be in effect. Find out what the warranty covers and how many more years it’s good for. Some last a lifetime, while others are good for several decades. Most warranties can be transferred to the new homeowner for a small one-time fee or even for free if transferred within a certain number of days of closing the property sale.

Foundation damage is commonplace in the North Texas region, so foundation repair shouldn’t be a disqualifying factor. However, it does warrant additional research if you’re the buyer. Align Foundation Repair can be a part of that research. Our Dallas foundation repair solutions include pre-home sale inspections. We frequently work with home buyers, sellers, and their respective real estate agents.

/ By Chase Gohl / Home Values/ / 0 Comments

Should I Buy a House with Foundation Problems?

Unless you’re moving into a recently constructed home, buying a house is like buying a used car. You have to actively check for existing issues. Foundation problems in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area are especially commonplace, so getting a thorough inspection of the house foundation is a must for buyers before they commit to an offer. Generally, you shouldn’t buy a house if it has existing foundation issues. Nevertheless, various factors are at play, and buying a house with foundation problems isn’t completely out of the question.

Inspect the Home

First, if any foundation problems are present, the seller is obligated to list them in a disclosure form. You should also perform a visual inspection yourself. Walk around the home interior and exterior and look for cracks along the walls and ceilings. Also, open and shut the doors and windows. Foundation problems may lurk if you can’t do this without muscling it into place.

Want to learn more?
Contact Align Foundation Repair at 214-463-2974 or online for a free estimate.

Get a Professional Assessment

Ask to see the report if the owner already had the foundation professionally inspected. If not, don’t proceed further until the owner agrees to a professional who specializes in foundation problems and not just a general home inspector. As part of our Dallas foundation repair services, Align Foundation Repair provides a free inspection and estimate.

What to Do Next

It’s not an instant deal breaker if the inspection turns up problems; it’s up to you. This is where negotiations really come into play. This is actually a good bargaining chip for getting the seller to lower the asking price. Homes with foundation problems can sell for up to 20% to 25% below the original price. On the other hand, foundation repair costs rarely exceed more than 10% of the property’s value. In other words, this can work out in your favor if you play your cards right. However, if you go this route, don’t just purchase the home and move right in as is. Arranging for repairs should be one of the first steps as the new homeowner.

Get your repairs done right.
Contact Align Foundation Repair at 214-463-2974 or online for a free estimate.

Leaving Repairs to the Seller

Alternatively, you can agree to purchase the house at the asking price on the written stipulation that the owner has the foundation repaired out of their own pocket and have it done before the closing date. Get this agreement in writing or stipulated in the contract. If you proceed this way, make sure you and the seller agree on the repair company. The seller may choose the cheapest contractor. Unrealistically low prices often translate to shoddy workmanship.

Need to find a company to agree on?
Contact Align Foundation Repair at 214-463-2974 or online for a free estimate.

Also, repair agreements should include damages incurred as a result of the foundation damage. This might include any ruptured pipes, cracks/separations along the wall and ceiling, etc. The costs of these also need to be factored in should you decide to buy the home as is.

Know the True Condition of the Property

As the buyer, you should fully understand the foundation’s condition. You can buy a home if foundation problems exist, but proceed with repairs right away. Contact us at Align Foundation Repair for a zero-cost inspection and estimate. The report will give you an idea of how to proceed and negotiate.

/ By Chase Gohl / Home Values/ • / 0 Comments

How Foundation Problems Can Impact Buying or Selling a Home

Are you putting your property in the Dallas-Ft Worth area up for sale? Perhaps you’re a homebuyer and searching for property in the region. In Texas, there is usually a quick closing period of 30 days. A lot has to be squeezed into that short window of time to ensure a smooth closing. This includes inspections of the house’s plumbing, electrical system, and foundation. Foundation problems in DFW are quite commonplace, and existing issues need to be resolved before the closing period.

Foundation Problems for the Seller

Begin with a DIY inspection for signs of damage. Examine your home for the following:

  • Cracks in the walls, ceilings, and house exterior
  • Opening and shutting problems with any of the doors or windows
  • Uneven flooring
  • Soil pulling away from the foundation

If any of the above is present, then you will need to schedule a professional foundation evaluation. If problems are present and require remediation, you can arrange for repairs before selling the home or put the property on the market as is. If you opt for the latter, you will need to make note of the foundation problems in a disclosure form. Keep in mind, you will likely also have to sell at a lower price. If foundation problems are only discovered during the closing process, the buyer may back out, or you will have to enter into last-minute fixing negotiations to decide you will pay to restore the foundation.

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Contact Align Foundation Repair and schedule your evaluation today.

Your real estate agent can consult you on this manner and advise whether it’s more cost-effective to repair the foundation on your own dime or sell the property as is.

Foundation Problems for the Buyer

As the buyer, insist on seeing documents verifying the foundation was inspected by a qualified technician. If no inspection has been done, see if you can agree to an inspection with the seller, perhaps agreeing to split the cost. Align Foundation Repair provides a free and zero-obligation foundation repair estimate.

There is a prevailing belief that buyers should avoid homes with existing foundation issues. However, this is not necessarily the case. Due to an existing problem, you might be able to negotiate a lower price and use some of the saved money to cover the cost of the foundation repair.

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Contact Align Foundation Repair to get repairs on your new home.

Even if existing issues are present, you can still consider the property if it otherwise ticks all the boxes. You may also agree to buy the home at the seller’s asking price on the stipulation that the latter agrees to pay for the foundation repair before the closing date.

Additionally, some buyers will agree to fix the foundation because they already plan to do significant reconstruction or remodeling on the house.

We Work with Sellers, Buyers, and Realtors

Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or real estate agent, call Align Foundation Repair for a no-cost home foundation inspection or for DFW foundation repair services.

Concrete Crack Repair
/ By Chase Gohl / Home Values/ 0 Comments

Buying a House? Check the Foundation First

The foundation of a home is something you probably don’t think a lot about until there are problems with it. However, a home’s foundation is an especially important thing to inspect before you make such a large purchase. Skipping a foundation inspection could mean you’ll deal with costly and inconvenient repairs down the line.

Although it’s not possible to safeguard against trouble in every circumstance, there are several things you can do to give the foundation a thorough evaluation before forking over your hard-earned cash. Want the opinion of an experienced professionals? Homebuyers and real estate brokers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area rely on Align Foundation Repair to uncover hidden foundation problems in homes for sale.

214-463-2974
Contact Align Foundation Repair for a home foundation evaluation.

Checking for Cracks

Walk around the perimeter of any house you’re thinking of buying, and closely inspect the foundation wall. Although you can’t diagnose foundation problems from cracks alone, they could warn that the conditions are ripe for more severe structural problems.

If the foundation has concrete walls, hairline cracks usually aren’t serious. However, if they are larger, it’s possible that the builders didn’t use metal reinforcement bars when laying the foundation.

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Get experienced foundation inspection today. Contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate.

If you notice any of the following foundation issues, call Align Foundation Repair to inspect the structural integrity of the home:

  • Cracks in the middle of the foundation
  • Vertical cracks that are wider at the top than the bottom
  • Cracks that are wider than a quarter inch
  • Drywall, window, and other problems

Inspecting the windows and doors

Don’t purchase a home before inspecting how every element functions. Open and close all of the windows and doors, and see whether any of them stick or otherwise fail to fit in the frames well. Doors and windows that don’t close properly might just be a flaw in installation, or they could indicate foundation damage.

Additionally, look for cracks in the interior walls near doors and windows. In most cases, these will be normal, hairline shrinkage cracks. Cracks that are wide, and those that look like they are growing, should be checked out before making a purchase.

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Don’t leave cracks in a home to grow. Contact Align Foundation Repair before you start to buy.

Weighing the Risks

As should now be clear, certain kinds of foundation problems are riskier than others. When deciding whether the benefits are worth the risks, always get an estimate to find out how much it would cost to repair the present problems. Have a Dallas-Fort Worth foundation repair professional assess the issues that you see.

Align Foundation Repair, LLC is built on a sturdy foundation of core values, including our unbeatable commitment to quality workmanship and our friendly customer service. Contact us before you purchase a home in the DFW area that might have foundation problems to request a free estimate. Happy house hunting!