Finding the right contractor is an important decision regarding foundation repair. You should consider their experience, reputation, and warranty. Slab foundations are the most common type of residential foundation. They can be used on most types of soil. However, they do have some drawbacks. If your home is built on a slab foundation, it can be damaged by tree roots and freeze-thaw cycles.
Cost
Slab foundations are the most common home foundations, accounting for over half of new construction. They’re relatively affordable but could be a better choice in cold climates where freezing and thawing soil can cause slabs to crack and shift. Piers are a better option in these situations, although they’re more expensive than slab-on-grade foundations. Their wide footings distribute the weight of your home evenly, preventing heaving and other damage. They’re also good if your home is built on a hill or unstable soil.
The best way to find a qualified slab foundation contractor is to get several formal bids and compare their qualifications. Choose a company with experience, licensing, insurance, and certifications. Make sure the bid includes inspections before and after work is completed. It should also have a cleanup. According to experts in slab foundation Killeen, TX, foundation repair is an intensive process that can lead to costly damage if done incorrectly. You want a company with the knowledge and expertise to fix your home correctly from start to finish.
Experience
A foundation repair contractor should be able to demonstrate a history of successful projects. Ensure to get references from previous customers and ask how satisfied they were with the work. Understanding the methods a company uses for its foundation repairs is also important. Slab-on-grade foundations are usually flat, solid concrete pieces that a house rests on. They may contain conduits for under-slab plumbing drains or supply lines, gas lines, and other utilities. Slab-on-grade foundations are easy to extend and cheap. They can also reduce the cost of heating a home since there is no space for moisture to develop or pests to nest. However, a slab foundation can crack over time, especially with shifting soil or when the house settles.
Reputation
A contractor’s reputation will greatly impact how quickly they can repair your foundation and how much it will cost. It should also influence what solutions they recommend. Some methods are more effective than others, so it’s important to choose a contractor with experience using the right method.
The most common foundation is a slab, typically made of concrete four to six inches thick. It’s the preferred foundation type in hot climates where basements may freeze and on lots with steeply sloping terrain.
Slab foundations are often the best option for lots where utility lines (like water supply pipes and electrical conduits) can run underneath the ground without being exposed to freezing temperatures. These pipes can be added before the final layer of concrete is poured.
Warranty
When choosing a foundation repair contractor, it is important to look at their warranty options. Often, warranties are a good indication of how committed a company is to stand behind its work. However, some contractors may use loopholes and caveats to try to get out of their warranty obligations. Slab foundations are popular for many homes because they can be built on various sites. However, they must work better on steeply sloping lots or if the soil has high water tables. Slab foundations can also experience cracking and sinking over time. When this happens, the homeowner must find a trusted slab foundation repair contractor.
