It’s sometimes frustrating for homeowners when they learn they will need to have engineers, soil studies, and drain surveys prior to repairing problems with foundation settlement or subsidence. When you just want your foundation problem fixed, it can feel like a ton of extra cost and time.
However, these assessments are necessary to protect your property and your investment in repairs. Even the most seasoned experts can’t see everything under your concrete foundation. Creating the most accurate and effective treatment plan requires knowing what the specific problems are and ensuring no stone is left unturned.
Three Professional Assessments During the Foundation Repair Process
Here are a few of the independent analysis steps you should take if you’re facing foundation repairs for sinking, settlement, or home leveling:
Free Consultation by a Geotechnical Expert
What is it?
The first step in your process will likely be a thorough inspection from a highly trained geotechnical professional. A geotechnical professional will review your problem areas inside and outside of the home, take measurements, and use tools such as zip levels to understand the root cause of the issue. This helps your foundation repair company understand the best way to approach fixing the problem.
What does it cost?
While some companies charge for this assessment, at Geobear, our assessments are no charge. For some companies, this estimate process may range from $250 to $1,000. This is because the quoting process requires technical drawings, planning, and extensive reviews.
Why do I need it?
This is a great place to start because you can typically cut out hours of extra work researching your problem, determining the best approach to treatment, and identifying the experts or assessments needed from this point. Your geotechnical or foundation repair team can help you every step of the way if the problem is in their area of expertise.
Ground Engineering/Soil Investigation from a Third-Party Engineer
What is it?
Do you know what kind of soil your home was built on? Do you know where your soil has weakened underneath your home? Most people don’t know the exact soil composition underneath their home, nor do they understand the compaction or properties of that soil. Soil studies allow a civil or geotechnical engineer to test the soil at various points on your property to classify soils, record boundaries of those soils, and predict how those soils might behave in various conditions. A qualified engineer can identify where your soil is weak and map voids that are the root cause of cracks in your foundation, walls, and doors.
What does it cost?
Typical soil studies range from $3,000-$5,000 Depending on the area you live in, the cost can vary. Your foundation repair company can likely recommend an expert and may even have negotiated rates for customers. The investment is imperative as a soil study is the best way to protect your investment and ensure that your repairs are done properly for the long-term.
Why do I need it?
A geotechnical or civil engineering soil study can help your support and repair team understand how to treat your subsidence or settlement effectively. Your repair team will have a clearer understanding of exactly how much material to use, where to inject materials or install piers, and how to best address the likelihood of future recurrence. In short, it protects you to ensure you’re getting quoted for what you really need to solve your problem and protect your home.
