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Three Third-Party Assessments You Need to Have Before Treating Foundation Issues

(September 19, 2021)

It’s sometimes frustrating for homeowners when they learn they will need to have engineers, soil studies, and drain surveys prior to repairing problems with foundation settlement or subsidence. When you just want your foundation problem fixed, it can feel like a ton of extra cost and time.

However, these assessments are necessary to protect your property and your investment in repairs. Even the most seasoned experts can’t see everything under your concrete foundation. Creating the most accurate and effective treatment plan requires knowing what the specific problems are and ensuring no stone is left unturned.

Three Professional Assessments During the Foundation Repair Process

Here are a few of the independent analysis steps you should take if you’re facing foundation repairs for sinking, settlement, or home leveling:

Free Consultation by a Geotechnical Expert

What is it?

The first step in your process will likely be a thorough inspection from a highly trained geotechnical professional. A geotechnical professional will review your problem areas inside and outside of the home, take measurements, and use tools such as zip levels to understand the root cause of the issue. This helps your foundation repair company understand the best way to approach fixing the problem.

What does it cost?

While some companies charge for this assessment, at Geobear, our assessments are no charge. For some companies, this estimate process may range from $250 to $1,000. This is because the quoting process requires technical drawings, planning, and extensive reviews.

Why do I need it?

This is a great place to start because you can typically cut out hours of extra work researching your problem, determining the best approach to treatment, and identifying the experts or assessments needed from this point. Your geotechnical or foundation repair team can help you every step of the way if the problem is in their area of expertise.

Need Expert Help Fast?

Speak to an expert now to learn more about options for addressing your subsidence or settlement related foundation problems! Our team is available to answer your questions and help you understand your foundation issues and what to do next. Contact us or schedule a Free Consultation.

Ground Engineering/Soil Investigation from a Third-Party Engineer

What is it?

Do you know what kind of soil your home was built on? Do you know where your soil has weakened underneath your home? Most people don’t know the exact soil composition underneath their home, nor do they understand the compaction or properties of that soil. Soil studies allow a civil or geotechnical engineer to test the soil at various points on your property to classify soils, record boundaries of those soils, and predict how those soils might behave in various conditions. A qualified engineer can identify where your soil is weak and map voids that are the root cause of cracks in your foundation, walls, and doors.

What does it cost?

Typical soil studies range from $3,000-$5,000 Depending on the area you live in, the cost can vary. Your foundation repair company can likely recommend an expert and may even have negotiated rates for customers. The investment is imperative as a soil study is the best way to protect your investment and ensure that your repairs are done properly for the long-term.

Why do I need it?

A geotechnical or civil engineering soil study can help your support and repair team understand how to treat your subsidence or settlement effectively. Your repair team will have a clearer understanding of exactly how much material to use, where to inject materials or install piers, and how to best address the likelihood of future recurrence. In short, it protects you to ensure you’re getting quoted for what you really need to solve your problem and protect your home.

Need Expert Help Fast?

Speak to an expert now to learn more about options for addressing your subsidence or settlement related foundation problems! Our team is available to answer your questions and help you understand your foundation issues and what to do next. Contact us or schedule a virtual consultation.

Drain Survey from a Qualified Plumbing Expert

What is it?

In new construction, your plumbing is installed in two parts. While the second part is obvious (e.g., faucets, drains, and tubs), the first part to be installed is the part you don’t see – the plumbing systems and drainage pipes underneath the home. A drain survey involves state-of-the-art camera equipment (called CCTV) that is run on hoses to examine all the pipes you can’t visibly inspect. The survey looks for cracks, leaks, or issues within your pipes.

What does it cost?

These surveys typically cost between $300 and $750. Depending on the area you live in, the cost can vary. Your foundation repair company can likely recommend an expert and may even have negotiated rates for customers. It’s a worthwhile investment when you consider the risk posed to your drain system or potential problems that can occur.

Why do I need it?

As subsidence can often be caused by leaks in pipes, it’s important to understand where those leaks might be within your plumbing system. Injecting expanding materials like geopolymer without checking for leaks first can be hazardous. The pressure exerted from these materials as they expand and harden can further crack pipes that are weak. Worse, the expanding material doesn’t know the difference between soil voids and cracked pipes – which could allow the material to expand into the cracks and block critical drainage systems.

The Geobear USA No-Hassle Approach

At Geobear, we want to make your foundation repair process hassle-free. We’ll help you line up your assessments, manage needed resources, and help you get the end result you’re looking for.

We Manage the Assessments

We’ll manage and coordinate assessments, ensure seamless transfer of information, and get you from one step to the next with less headache and stress for you. We guide and direct all of the needed resources to help you get your repairs done sooner.

Estimate to Quote

Our process ensures we know all the facts before we finalize your treatment plan, total costs, and ultimately your quote. This means we’re going to give you the best price for the actual work you need done based on input from qualified engineers.

Financing Is Available

We’ll work with you to create a packaged price and get you the financing you need to complete the work. Our financing partner can help you get low monthly payments on the entire package price.

Need to tackle foundation repair issues? Call Geobear today or book a consultation.

Contact Us

Contact us to request a consultation. Whether you know you have a settlement problem or you just aren’t sure, we’re here to help.

Our expert customer support professionals can help you over the phone. If it might be a settlement or subsidence issue, we’ll get a skilled ground engineer to visit your property and conduct a site visit and assessment.

Don’t wait until your problem gets bigger. Explore the most cost-effective, innovative solutions available. You deserve to save time, money, and stress.

Contact us today for a no-obligation, pressure-free consultation! For immediate assistance, call 877-GEOBEAR to speak to a representative now.

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