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7 Reasons to Avoid DIY Foundation Repair

Large crack in a brick wall.

Repairing a foundation is best left to professionals, but we see homeowners attempt DIY foundation repair all the time.

Unfortunately, it virtually never leads to good results, and we put this guide together to help you avoid making the same mistake.

Here are seven reasons to avoid DIY foundation repair, as noted from our over 20 years of experience in the field.

Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Foundation Repair

1. Risk of Misdiagnosis

One of the primary reasons to avoid DIY foundation repair is the high risk of misdiagnosing the problem. Foundation issues are complex and varied, and what appears to be a minor crack could actually be a symptom of a more severe structural issue. Misinterpreting these signs can lead to incorrect solutions, which will fail to resolve the real problem.

2. Safety Concerns

Foundation repair can be hazardous. Without the proper training and equipment, you risk injuring yourself or others. Engaging in foundation repair without a clear understanding of the structural implications can lead to accidents, such as falls, collapses, or being struck by heavy objects. Additionally, the use of incorrect techniques or equipment can potentially weaken the structure—leading to long-term safety hazards.

3. Potential for Further Damage

Attempting to fix your foundation on your own can lead to even more damage. DIY efforts can make existing issues worse, such as turning minor cracks into major structural failures. Additionally, improper repair techniques may disturb the soil around the foundation, leading to settlement and increased stress on the structure. This can result in other problems, such as sticking doors and windows or uneven floors.

4. Voiding Warranties

DIY foundation repair may breach the terms of your warranty or insurance policy, leaving you without coverage for future issues. This means that any future problems, even if unrelated to your foundation, could be excluded from coverage, forcing you to pay the full cost of repairs. Additionally, if your DIY efforts actually cause damage, you might face out-of-pocket expenses for repairs that could have been covered under your original warranty or insurance policy.

5. Long-Term Costs

While DIY foundation repair might seem cost-effective in the short term, it can actually lead to higher expenses down the line. Improper repairs fail to address the root cause of foundation problems, leading to even worse damage later. Temporary DIY fixes only serve as a band-aid, masking serious issues that will continue to deteriorate. This increases repair costs and affects the overall value of your home.

6. Lack of Proper Tools and Materials

Successful foundation repair depends on using the proper tools and materials for the job. Most homeowners, if any, don’t have access to the tools needed to complete foundation repair. Using the wrong tools not only fails to fix existing issues but may also make the damage worse. This can escalate into a cycle of continuous repairs and growing costs.

7. Resale Value Impact

DIY foundation repair can lower the value of your home. Potential buyers might not trust the quality of the work and could ask for a professional check-up. This might reveal other foundation problems, making it harder to sell your home, leading to expensive fixes, and lowering the price people are willing to pay for the property.

Why You Should Hire a Professional for Foundation Repair

Expertise

Professionals have the right skills and knowledge to fix foundation problems correctly. They can identify the true cause of issues like cracks or uneven floors, ensuring the repairs address the root of the problem. This expertise is crucial because fixing the wrong thing can leave the real issue unsolved.

Safety

Repairing a foundation involves risks, from collapsing structures to handling heavy materials. Professional repair teams come equipped with the necessary safety gear and follow strict protocols to prevent accidents. This keeps everyone safe, avoiding potential injuries that could happen if you tried to do it yourself.

Save Money

Hiring a professional for foundation repair might seem expensive at first, but it can actually save money over time. Professionals fix the problem correctly the first time, preventing further damage and avoiding additional repairs. Additionally, DIY repairs can void your home’s warranty, leading to higher costs if other problems arise.

Tools

Foundation repair experts have access to impressive tools that can actually keep a foundation stabilized. Most of these tools aren’t available to the average homeowner, and they require heavy machinery and specialized training to install in the first place. When you work with professionals who have these tools, foundation repair becomes easier and more successful.

What Tools Do Foundation Repair Experts Use?

Professional foundation repair is more effective than ever in today’s modern age. Experts, like our team at Alpha Foundations, use strong and powerful tools to repair and prevent foundation damage. We’ll outline the two most effective repair methods used in Florida: foundation pier systems and crawl space support jacks

Foundation Pier Systems

Pier system attached to exposed foundation footing of a home.

For homes with a concrete slab foundation, the best repair option is a foundation pier system. There are three main types of foundation piers—push piersslab piers, and helical piers.

Each pier system is designed to stabilize and strengthen a building’s foundation, but they differ in their appearance and situational use. With a free inspection from Alpha Foundations, our team can show you which foundation pier system is best for your home.

Crawl Space Support Jacks

Three crawl space support jacks attached to a wooden beam in a crawl space.

For homes with a crawl space foundation, experts will install a crawl space support jack system. These steel support beams attach to the floor joists in your crawl space, strengthening the entire structure.

Most crawl space jacks can be adjusted to fit the specific dimensions of your crawl space. As they strengthen your crawl space, they prevent foundation damage from appearing in the future.

FAQs

Without professional training, it can be difficult to estimate accurately and complete the job effectively. In general, the time it takes to repair a foundation can vary widely based on the extent of the damage and skill level. Minor repairs might take a few hours, while more significant issues could require several days of work.

Preventing future foundation problems involves regular maintenance, such as ensuring proper drainage around your home, controlling moisture levels, and checking for early signs of damage. Addressing small issues sooner rather than later can help prevent larger foundation problems later.

While you might think you’ll save on labor costs by doing repairs yourself, the potential for incorrect repairs can lead to higher costs in the long run. Professional repairs ensure the problem is correctly addressed the first time, saving you money and increasing your home’s value in the long run.

Receive Professional Foundation Repair With Alpha Foundations

Alpha Foundations installer holding a helical pier over his shoulder and smiling.

If you’re looking for trusted professionals to repair your foundation, don’t hesitate to contact Alpha Foundations. We’ve been helping homeowners across the state of Florida protect their foundations since 2002, and we’re ready to do the same for you.

With industry-leading solutions and an experienced team, we’re committed to taking care of your home. Don’t ruin the safety of your home by risking DIY foundation repair—schedule a free inspection with Alpha Foundations today!

Related Resources

Ted Dryce

Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.

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