Nothing can stand without a good foundation, and that includes your home. Your foundation tends to be an “out of sight, out of mind” component of your home that you may consider during the initial home inspection, then never again after that.
However, it’s important to know the signs of a weak or damaged foundation and to fix it promptly. There can be large costs associated with home foundation repair in Pittsburgh, PA, but the investment is well worth it and your home may suffer serious damage if a repair is put off too long. Here are just a few benefits of investing in a home foundation repair.
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Safety Comes from Home Foundation Repair in Pittsburgh, PA
The fact is, having a cracked or damaged foundation is dangerous. The foundation is what holds your house up and keeps it from collapsing or sinking into the ground, so it’s vital for it to be in good condition. When the foundation is damaged, the rest of the house starts to suffer. Cracks may appear in your walls, floors can sink or sag, and moisture gets into the home, causing water damage and mold growth. It’s not safe to be living in this kind of environment.
Not only is there a risk to your safety from living in a structurally unsound home, but moisture and mold growth present a risk to your respiratory health as well. Bugs can get in through cracks in your foundation as well, leading to potential infestations. Having sunken spots in your floor can lead to tripping hazards and potential injuries as well.
Save Money Down the Road
When you first notice signs that you may need foundation repair, you may be tempted to put the project off at first. A small crack in the wall or a tiny sag in your floor may not seem like a big deal, but these small problems turn into bigger problems later on. Investing in the repair early can prevent further and bigger issues that’ll end up costing more to fix.
If the damage gets bad enough over several years, you could even be looking at a potential house collapse. If you catch foundation issues early, you may be able to prevent or mitigate early structural damage, as well as preventing water damage and mold growth that could be costly to clean up and repair. Keep in mind that foundation repair is an investment that can only benefit you down the road.
Peace of Mind with Home Foundation Repair in Pittsburgh, PA
Knowing that your foundation is damaged or weakened can cause a lot of stress for a homeowner. After all, your home is supposed to be your safe place, and having something threaten its structural integrity and safety is unnerving at best and scary at worst.
Investing in a foundation repair early will keep your family and home safe, as well as putting your mind at ease. Peace of mind is priceless, and a professional foundation repair service can not only fix existing issues, but may be able to catch other problems early that you might not even notice.
Property Value
When it comes time to sell your home, you’ll need to have it appraised. An appraisal is when a professional visits your home and takes note of its condition and any problems with it, then provides an estimate of its value which is then used to determine the selling price of the house. There are many factors taken into account during a home appraisal, and the foundation is a big factor.
Foundation problems can decrease the value of a home and make it more difficult to sell. While it’s true that some buyers are looking for “fixer-uppers,” foundation repair is not a do-it-yourself project. Buying a home with foundation problems means that the new owners will need to hire a professional foundation repair company right away, so this issue will likely scare off prospective buyers. Repairing your foundation before attempting to sell will boost the value of your home and make the property more attractive.
Can I Save Money By Repairing My Foundation Myself?
When looking at the cost of a foundation repair, you may be intimidated at first and look for ways to save money. With many home improvement projects, people attempt the repairs themselves in order to reduce labor costs. While there are some home improvement projects that can reasonably be turned into “DIY” projects, foundation repair is unfortunately not one of them.
Professional foundation repair companies know exactly where to look for cracks or weak spots that may escape your notice, in addition to having the proper training and equipment to fix the problem. They also know how to make sure a home is up to code, so all in all, it’s best to leave foundation repair to a professional.
The Costs of a Home Foundation Repair
The cost of a home foundation repair will depend on multiple factors, including what type of foundation you have, the type and severity of the damage, and what method the foundation repair company uses to fix it. The average cost of a foundation repair is roughly $4,642. For minor cracks, you may pay just a few hundred dollars. However, if your foundation needs to be stabilized, this is a larger and more involved project that could cost you up to $12,000.
The best way to determine the cost you’ll be looking at is to visit your chosen foundation repair company’s website and get an estimate. The good news is that you likely will not need to worry about setting aside money for a hotel or short-term rental. Most foundation repair work is done in a way that allows you to stay in your home through the entire process.
Foundation Repair in Pittsburgh – Leave it to the Experts
If you’ve noticed cracks, water damage, sagging floors, or other signs of trouble and you require a home foundation repair in Pittsburgh, you must call a professional. When dealing with something as important as your foundation, you need a company that knows the methods to utilize and has the tools, equipment, and crew to get the work done correctly. Repairing your foundation is always a good investment, as long as it’s done a qualified contractor. Most will start you with a complimentary estimate, all you have to do is find the right one for you.
