So You’ve Scheduled Foundation Repair – Here’s How To Prepare For It!
Hey there! So you’ve noticed those telltale signs around your home – the cracks creeping across your walls, doors that suddenly refuse to close right, and floors that feel a bit… off. You’ve made the smart move to call in the pros for foundation repair, but now you’re wondering what comes next. I get it – this isn’t exactly something most homeowners deal with regularly!
As someone who’s helped countless Texas homeowners through this process at Du-West, let me walk you through how to prepare for your upcoming foundation repair. No complicated jargon or unnecessary fluff – just straightforward advice from someone who’s been there thousands of times.
Why Taking a Few Steps To Prepare Now Makes All the Difference
Foundation repair isn’t your typical home improvement project. We’ll be working under your home and possibly inside too, which means there will be some vibration, movement, and noise happening.
The time you spend preparing now will make the whole process go much smoother. It protects your belongings, helps our crew work more efficiently, and honestly, it’ll give you some peace of mind during the process. Skip this prep work, and you might face delays or even damage to your personal items.
Your Prepare For Repairs Checklist
1. Clear the Way
First things first – we need space to work! Move furniture, decorations, and anything fragile away from the walls where we’ll be working.
This includes:
- Bookcases and shelving units
- TVs (especially wall-mounted ones)
- Fragile decor items and plants
- Area rugs
If we’re working in a crawl space, please clear a path to the access point. For slab work, we’ll need clear access around the perimeter of your home.
2. Take Down Wall Hangings
Even with careful work, lifting a foundation causes some movement in the walls. To be safe, take down any artwork, mirrors, or wall decorations. Better to have them safely stored than potentially damaged during the repair.
3. Mark Any Underground Systems
Do you have sprinkler lines, gas pipes, or electrical cables buried in your yard? Please mark them clearly or let us know where they are. The last thing anyone wants is an unexpected surprise during excavation!
4. Make a Plan for Your Pets
Our team loves animals, but the noise and strangers in your home can be stressful for your furry family members. Consider arranging for them to stay with a friend or in a quiet part of the house away from the construction zone.
5. Give Your Neighbors a Heads-Up
This one’s optional but considerate. Let your neighbors know there will be some work happening at your place. A little advance notice about the extra vehicles and potential noise goes a long way in keeping neighborhood relations smooth.
What to Expect During the Repair
Here’s a quick breakdown of how we typically handle foundation repairs:
- Our team will arrive on schedule, meet with you, and review the plan.
- For slab homes, we’ll excavate around the foundation; for pier-and-beam homes, we’ll access the crawl space.
- We’ll install the appropriate support system – whether that’s concrete piers, steel supports, or hydraulic jacks.
- We’ll carefully lift and level your foundation in small, controlled increments.
- Once everything is stable, we’ll backfill excavated areas and clean up the work site.
Most repairs take just a few days from start to finish, though larger homes or more complex issues might take longer.
Common Questions About Foundation Repair Prep
Can I stay in my house during the repairs?
Absolutely! Most foundation work doesn’t require you to relocate. It might be noisy at times, but it’s generally safe to go about your normal routine.
Will lifting my foundation cause more cracks?
It’s possible you might see some minor cosmetic cracks as things settle back into place. This is normal and typically much less severe than the issues you were experiencing before.
What about my landscaping?
We work carefully, but sometimes plants or landscaping near the foundation need to be moved. We’ll discuss any concerns before work begins.
We’ve Got This
Foundation repair might seem intimidating, but with the right preparation and the right team, it’s a manageable process. At Du-West, we’ve guided countless homeowners through this exact situation, and we’re committed to making it as smooth as possible for you.
Take these simple steps to prepare, and then let us handle the rest. Before you know it, your home will be back on solid ground, and those foundation worries will be behind you—for good!
