Foundation Repair Myths

A common myth regarding foundation repair is no specialized training is needed

Over the years, one thing that we have learned while talking to various homeowners is that quite a few misconceptions exist when it comes to repairing a foundation. Like any other myth, these are usually derived from misinformation spread by those who don’t understand the basics of foundation repair.

That’s why we’re here to set the record straight. The last thing we want is for our clients to make crucial decisions concerning their home’s integrity based on false information. Homeowners deserve correct information that enables them to make the best choices that will impact the overall well-being of their home.

To help homeowners understand the truth about foundation repair, we’re sharing—and debunking—the most common myths.

Anyone can perform foundation repair

A common myth regarding foundation repair is no specialized training is needed. We talked to homeowners who had hired a local “handyman” who didn’t specialize in foundation repair and those who went for a DIY approach. More often than not, these attempts fail miserably.

Although there are numerous foundation repair companies, they aren’t all the same. As with any industry, there are people whose work reflects poorly on the many excellent foundation repair companies.

It’s simply not true that anybody could perform a foundation repair. The fact that experts are frequently hired to fix mistakes that others made debunks the idea that foundation repairs are easy to do and do not require a specialist.

Unfortunately, when property owners hire an unspecialized technician for foundation repairs, they often pay extra to have a proper professional fix what should have been done right the first time.

Foundation repair is always expensive

There’s no question that foundation repair can be expensive. But that’s certainly not always the case. This myth has been perpetuated by those who have had expensive work done. We’re not saying that extensive solutions are never required. Indeed, there are cases where expensive repair work is necessary.

But not always.

And that’s important to remember. After all, a key reason why homeowners often put off an inspection or repair work that should have been performed sooner is because they assume it will cost a lot (we’ll get to that next). And sometimes that makes it cost more than it has to. There are times when promptly fixing a problem can keep costs down by repairing it before it gets worse.

Putting off repair work is acceptable

Similar to the last myth, this is another financially-motivated misconception we hear. It’s pretty common to put off repair work and assume it’s not a problem. Homeowners do this when they suspect there’s an issue but are putting off an inspection and who have already had an inspection and are confident there’s an issue but are postponing the repair.

Both are worrisome.

That’s because foundation problems and waterproofing issues never get better with time. Most of the time, they get worse. A homeowner could be costing themselves extra money and headaches by assuming waiting is a reasonable option.

Foundation problems are an “older home issue”

It’s common for homeowners to believe that if they live in a newly constructed home, they can’t possibly have foundation issues. But that’s not the case. When a home is built, the soil is dug out to place the home’s foundation. Digging out this much soil tends to loosen the surrounding soil—soil that has slowly compacted over many years. After the foundation is set, contractors will attempt to tamp down the replaced dirt as best they can. Still, the soil will likely be looser than it was, resulting in an area potentially prone to water problems or foundation settlement.

It’s simply not true that new homes don’t have foundation problems. We have been out to perform work at enough new homes to be able to debunk this myth as well.

Filling cracks is a simple fix

Often, when homeowners think of foundation repair, they automatically think of crack repair, and a lot of times, this is all that may be needed. However, there are plenty of cases where there is a more significant issue at hand which also needs to be addressed.

In these cases, the cracks are only a symptom of a larger problem, and fixing them is like putting a Band-Aid on an open wound. It’s not going to fix the larger problem that also needs to be addressed.

Don’t fall for the myth that crack repair is a fix-all solution. Sometimes, it can be, but it’s essential to have a reputable and thorough contractor out to inspect a home who can determine if there is more going on.

Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake provide foundation, basement, and crawlspace installation and repair for the greater Baltimore area homeowners.