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5 Reasons Why DIY Foundation Repair Isn't the Best Approach


There is a saying that goes “Our dependence outweighs our independence, for we are independent only in our desire.” There are many people out there that have a desire to tackle any project as a DIY project. However, when it comes to DIY foundation repair, the need for dependence outweighs the need for independence. Decks, roofs, and plumbing are all things that can easily be tackled with a Google search and an in-depth “how-to” YouTube video. Foundation repair, however, is something that, if tackled by oneself, could end up costing thousands of dollars.

DIY projects are fun because you can learn what you need with a YouTube video and recreate the steps and have something not half bad come out. Projects like these are known for their cost savings. When you take out the amount you’ll pay for labor, you will always save money by doing it yourself. However, with DIY foundation repair, there are risks that are far more common than most people think. In this article, we will be covering five key reasons why DIY foundation repair isn’t the best approach.

Reason #1: You are putting yourself in danger

Foundation DIY repair isn’t your typical do-it-yourself project like building floating shelves or a deck. It is a delicate procedure that requires detailed engineering to avoid a plethora of hazards and concerns. Even without the hustle and bustle of construction work, foundations settle, slide, and shift. If you don’t know what you’re doing, then you could inadvertently put yourself in dangerous situations in which you might be under your own home and things might collapse on you. Small repairs like filling in cosmetic cracks and repairing broken floor joists is a plausible DIY project. However, it is recommended that if the scope of work goes beyond that level of simplicity, it is best to leave it to the professionals.

Reason #2: Underestimated budget

Foundation repair can range in scope of work results in a price. Typically, small repairs can run you anywhere between a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Large repairs can cost much more depending on the severity of the issue. Resident “do it yourselfers” like to minimize the cost of projects as much as possible, which is the sole reason behind them deciding against a reputable company. Sadly, DIY foundation repair isn’t going to take a repair that is originally $8,000 to $10,000 and bring it down to a few thousand dollars. There is a high risk of not properly addressing the issue or making the problem worse than it was originally. First, this means that the odds are not in your favor for a smooth repair. Secondly, budgets for construction projects vary as the project is completed. What would be the original budget, in the beginning, could be thousands more in the end due to miscellaneous odds and ends.

Reason #3: Future buyers can tell

Being in the market to sell your home is never easy and can be a stressful process, especially with numerous potential buyers surveying your home. When deciding to go the DIY foundation repair route, buyers will be able to tell. Be honest with yourself and think like a homebuyer. If you walked into a house and you saw a bad paint job in the kitchen, you would know right away that the homeowners did not hire an expert. This same situation can be applied to your foundation. Without the expertise required to do the job properly, there is a high chance that all your work will only become an advantage to the buyer. Most savvy buyers or realtors are aware that engineering is required before a structural repair can be initiated. They
will be requesting the engineer’s report on which the repair was based.

Reason #4: Added stress in your relationship

If you read the title of this one, then you probably had a flashback of doing a project around the house with your spouse that didn’t go as planned. The added stress of pursuing a large DIY project like foundation repair is the last thing that any relationship needs. More and more time will pass, and more money will be spent unless you devote all your time to the repair. Contacting an expert foundation repair company will ensure that the project is in the right hands and is completed in a timely manner.

Reason #5: Carolina Foundation Solutions can do it for you

Carolina Foundation Solutions is a family-owned and -operated foundation repair company of experts and professionals that would love to keep you from committing to those things listed above. We have your best interest in mind, and you can put your trust in us. For all your foundation repair needs, give us a call at (877) 770-7050 to schedule a FREE inspection. 

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