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Can You Live In A House During Foundation Repair?

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Foundation repair
Foundation repair

Wondering if you can live in a house during a foundation repair? If so, don’t hit that back button because you’ve landed on the right page. In this article, we’ll discuss whether you can live in a house during foundation repair, how long it takes to repair a foundation, what to expect during the repair, and more.

Can You Live In A House During Foundation Repair?

Yes, usually, you can live in a house during foundation repair. Minor repairs don’t require you to leave your home. Homeowners often don’t even need to vacate their homes during major foundation repairs like underpinning. Only in rare cases does the homeowner need to move out of the house during a foundation repair.

How Long Does It Take To Repair A Foundation?

When it comes to repairing a foundation, there is no definitive timeline, as the work required varies depending on the type and severity of the problem. Some issues can be resolved relatively quickly in a day or two, while others may take weeks or months to fix. The most common factors that impact the duration of foundation repair projects include the extent of the damage, the building’s size and complexity, the type of foundation being repaired, and the chosen repair method.

What To Expect During The Foundation Repair

Typically, the foundation repair process will begin with a thorough inspection of the property. This may involve taking measurements of the foundation and assessing its condition both inside and outside the home.

The good news is you can usually live in a house during foundation repair. Minor repairs and even most major repairs don't require you to leave your home.

After the initial inspection, the repair process will begin. During the repair process, being patient and understanding with the professionals working on your property is essential. The process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the issues being addressed. You may experience some disruption to your daily routine and noise from the machinery used during the repair process.

Once the foundation repair is complete, it’s important to follow any maintenance recommendations provided by the foundation repair contractor to ensure the longevity of your foundation. This may include proper drainage to prevent future issues and regular inspections to catch any problems before they become severe.

Signs Your Home Might Have A Foundation Problem

The most common signs a home might have a foundation problem include the following:

  • Wall cracks – One of the most obvious signs of foundation problems is cracks in your walls. These are larger than hairline cracks and can vary in size and direction.
  • Floor and ceiling cracks – A crack that runs across the ceiling and down a wall is a sure sign of foundation damage.
  • Problems with doors and windows – Another indicator of foundation problems is doors and windows that no longer open and close correctly. This is because the frames can become misaligned as the foundation settles or shifts.
  • Gaps around doors and windows – If you notice visible gaps around door and window frames, it may be a sign of foundation issues.
  • Stair step cracks in brick or masonry – This is a sure sign the foundation has moved.
  • Wet, moldy crawl space or basement – If you have a basement or crawl space, look for signs of moisture or mold, as these can develop when water seeps in through cracks in the foundation.

signs of foundation problems

Other common signs of a foundation problem include but aren’t limited to, uneven or sloping floors, gaps between the walls and ceilings, cabinets separating from the walls, and chimneys and porches separating from the house.

If you see any of these signs or anything else that seems suspicious, contact a professional foundation repair company to immediately inspect and fix the issue. Delaying repairs can lead to further damage and a more expensive repair later.

Foundation Repair – Cost

The cost of foundation repair can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the type and severity of the damage, the type of foundation, and the location of the building. More extensive repairs cost more than minor repairs.

It’s important to note that simply performing the repair may not be enough. It’s often necessary to address any underlying issues that could lead to future foundation damage. These issues could include problems with drainage or soil quality that will need to be addressed. Fixing these other issues should be considered when calculating the total foundation repair cost.

In addition to the cost considerations, choosing a reputable and experienced foundation repair company is essential to ensure the repairs are done correctly. Repairing a foundation is a complex and potentially hazardous undertaking and should only be attempted by qualified professionals with experience.

How Homeowners Can Help Prevent Foundation Problems

As a homeowner, there are several things you can do to help prevent foundation problems. Note that most of them involve controlling groundwater around the foundation. This is because water is the culprit behind most foundation issues.

  • Clean your gutters regularly – You don’t want water spilling over the side of the house and soaking into the ground around the foundation.
  • Use downspout extensions – Downspout extensions are inexpensive, easy to install, and will ensure water is directed away from the foundation before release.
  • Keep trees away from the foundation – Trees can also cause foundation issues if planted too close to the home. Their roots can grow into and damage the foundation. Keep trees and shrubs at least 15 feet from the foundation and monitor their growth regularly.
  • Check for plumbing leaks – Plumbing leaks can also lead to foundation problems, particularly if they’re close to the foundation. Check your plumbing regularly and fix any leaks immediately.
  • Regrade your yard, if necessary – The yard around your home should slope away from the house so groundwater doesn’t drain toward the foundation.
  • Invest in regular foundation inspections – Regular inspections can help detect potential issues early on and help prevent costly repairs.
  • Install a drain tile system – Nothing beats a drain tile system for controlling groundwater around a foundation. For more information about how they work, see How Does A Drain Tile System Work?

tips for preventing foundation problems

If you think your home might need foundation repair, contact us today to schedule a foundation evaluation. If we find a problem, we’ll give you a repair estimate. We serve areas in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. The top cities we serve are Lincoln, Omaha, Grand Island, Kearney, Norfolk, and many more; contact us today for a free estimate.

WRITTEN BY

Dave Epp

Dave is the President at Epp Foundation Repair with over 27 years of experience in the industry. Dave has worked on thousands of foundation, basement, concrete, and crawl space repair projects since 1993. Dave is involved in several civic and church organizations and enjoys coaching youth sports, mainly football, golfing, and elk hunting.

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