If you’ve decided to embark on the exciting adventure of foundation repair, you might think it’s time to sit back and leave the work to the professionals! Well, you’re mostly right, but there are a few things you need to do before the operations begin. For the safety of your home and its inhabitants, it’s important to research ways you can protect the interior and exterior of your property before repairs begin. Since 1996, Foundation Pro has been helping homeowners prepare their properties for large-scale and minor foundation repairs. The following are some of the most useful tips for getting your house ready for your next project.
Start with a Foundation Inspection
Before you call your trusty foundation repair professional and schedule repairs for newfound damages, it is important to schedule an inspection. (Foundation Pro conducts FREE evaluations, so there is no reason not to schedule a consultation!)
“But if I know what’s wrong, why shouldn’t I just call someone out to fix it?” Good question! Foundation Repair is never one-size-fits-all. Additionally, warning signs such as cracked concrete or damaged door and window frames may be indicative of a larger issue. Simply filling in a minor concrete crack may be like putting a band-aid on an amputated limb. Your foundation repair inspection will help the repair professional determine the source of the damage and develop a customized plan for your property!
Prepare Your Landscaping Prior to Foundation Repair
Depending on the amount of work that needs to be done on your home’s foundation, you may need to consider the removal of plants from the perimeter of your property. For properties with extensive landscaping, an option is to call a professional landscaping service to come and remove your plants or trees and replace them after the work is done.
For large projects, Foundation Pro will carefully consider your landscaping, and remove and replace any plants that are in the way of our project. However, some customers prefer to hire the original landscaping company, and we understand!
Give the Foundation Repair Team Room to Move
Like any extensive home improvement project, the professional team will need unencumbered access to the interior and exterior areas. Foundation repair horror stories often begin with the team encountering physical roadblocks, such as:
- Old wood or sheet metal
- Cars
- Garbage
- Furniture
- Storage items, such as lawn maintenance tools and
- Landscaping obstructions, such as trees, plants, and decorative rocks
“Room to Move” does not just mean shuffling items around to create pathways. Homeowners often use crawl spaces for additional storage. If you have structural damage in your crawlspace, your priority should be to completely clean the area out, so your repair team has full visibility and mobility. With a clean, clear space, the repair professionals can complete your project faster and safer. Prior to the project’s inception, your foundation professional may advise areas for the property owner to address.
Secure Your Furniture and Interior Items
You can never be too careful when it comes to your interior decorating! Your house isn’t going to sprout legs and walk away, but the entire foundation is essentially moving!! Secure your furniture and fragile decorative belongings before the project begins. Here are a few tips for how to secure your furniture before your next foundation repair.
- Decorative Items. Remove all pictures and decorative items from precarious positions or your walls. Foundation Repair will not cause rattling of seismic proportions, but the gentle lift may cause items to shift or fall off the wall.
- Furniture and Appliances. Firmly secure larger, heavier items to avoid scratches to the floor.It is also advisable to cover your furniture with a drop cloth for protection against dust and residue.
Go with the Pro! Call Foundation Pro Today!
Property owners trust the Pro. We are a Central Arkansas-based structural foundation repair company that addresses both interior and exterior issues. Since 1996, Foundation Pro has specialized in residential and commercial repair focusing on concrete foundation repair, crawl space services, and concrete raising. If you have any questions about how to prepare your home for your next foundation repair project, call the Pro! 501-753-1009
