Structural Problems During your Basement Remodel? It’s More Likely Than You Think!

When it comes to sprucing up your home interior, you’re probably not thinking about your foundation’s stability. If you’re in the midst of refurbishing your basement, though, and you suddenly find that your paint job’s been compromised by standing water, these solutions become a necessity.

Photo By: ELM Construction LLC

To protect your basement and remodel, you need to keep an eye out for the kind of foundation damage that leads to leaks. What, though, are the signs and solutions you have at your disposal?

What Causes Foundation Damage?

Foundation cracks don’t appear all at once unless there’s been a natural disaster in your area. Instead, most of these cracks form due to long-term exposure to hydrostatic pressure. Standing water will come in contact with your as a result of:

* Heavy rain
* Shifting soil
* Your foundation’s response to the weather
* Your foundation materials
* The nearby tree roots’ expansion

Photo By: Jan Gleysteen Architects, Inc

Signs of a Foundation Leak

The symptoms that give away a foundation leak are pretty similar to the ones that give away a basement leak. You’ll need to bring in a professional foundation repair contractor to determine what kind of problem you have on your hands.

That said, a foundation leak will have a larger impact on your home’s structural supports that it will on the immediate aesthetic accents you’ve included in your basement. Some of the most obvious signs of a foundation leak include:

* Bowing walls
* Shifting floors
* Gaps at the joints of your foundation
* Sticking doors
* Foggy windows
* Water-damaged belongings or furniture
* Mold

If a foundation leak is especially severe, you’ll be able to spot symptoms as they appear outside of your home. These symptoms include:

* Vertical cracks in your walls
* A cracked chimney
* Cracks running horizontally across your foundation
* Signs of sinking

Photo By: Metro Building and Remodeling Group LLC

Treating a Foundation Leak

After you’ve identified a foundation leak, you’ll need to determine which of the available waterproofing solutions will suit your home best. The contractors working in your area will be able to give you advice based on the grading of your home and the make of your foundation. Of those solutions, some of the best include:

* Piering
* Underpinning
* Leveling and slabjacking
* Sealing
* Subfloor drainage

The cost of these repairs will range between $500 and $6,000. Don’t fret too much, though. Foundation repair contractors who represent small or independent businesses will be able to negotiate costs based on the solutions you’re interested in. While you may need to borrow from your design budget, you’ll find your home all the more beautiful for your efforts.

Reaching Out for Local Help

Don’t let the hard work you put into your home be for not. If you have a foundation leak on your hands, reach out to your local foundation repair contractors as soon as possible. They’ll be able to provide you with a free estimate on the cost of repairs. Afterwards, you’ll be able to work alongside them to reclaim your home.