Should I Repair My Foundation Before Remodeling?

Home remodeling is one of the most exciting parts of homeownership. It gives you the opportunity to customize your home to your exact liking.

However, it’s a risk to invest in home remodeling if foundation issues haven’t been resolved at your home. Without proper repair, the remodels are likely to be damaged.

This page will cover:

How foundation damage affects remodels
Signs of foundation damage
How the repair process works

If there’s one thing we want you to take away from this page, it’s this: It’s always best to do home remodels after foundation repair. That way, the hard work you put in doesn’t go to waste.

Why You Should Repair the Foundation Before Remodeling

Look at the image to the right. See the crack running along the wall? This is a clear sign of foundation damage, and it can happen to any wall, new or old.

Imagine you just remolded your home and built a new wall. If foundation damage wasn’t resolved before installing that new wall, it could end up cracking just like the wall in the image. All of a sudden, your hard work, time, and money is wasted.

At the end of the day, foundation repair gives home remodels an extra layer of protection. Texas is notorious for foundation damage (mostly due to our state’s soil conditions), so it’s a good idea to consider foundation repair before any major home project.

What Are the Signs of Foundation Damage?

Foundation damage causes your home to shift. As a result, it affects the entire structure of your home. The most common symptoms of foundation damage are:

You can imagine how these issues aren’t good for home remodeling. Foundation damage will directly affect the things you’ve decided to invest money in, so that’s why it’s best to wait until after foundation repair.

How Does Foundation Repair Work?

Foundation repair is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of your home. Our team at Foundation Support Specialists makes the process easy for homeowners. Two common solutions in foundation repair are foundation piers and crawl space support jacks.

Foundation Piers

Foundation piers are long, steel posts inserted deep into the ground beneath your foundation. By extending to stable, load-bearing soil, they provide a solid support system that lifts and stabilizes your home’s foundation.

There are different types of piers used in foundation repair, including push piers, helical piers, and slab piers, each suited to different situations, but accomplishing the same goal. The installation process involves drilling these piers into the ground until they reach stable soil and then lifting the foundation to a safe level using hydraulic equipment.

Installing foundation pier with hydraulic equipment.

Crawl Space Support Jacks

These are adjustable steel posts used to stabilize and level the floor joists and beams in your crawl space or pier and beam foundation. Over time, these areas can sag or weaken due to moisture damage, wood rot, or soil settlement.

Crawl space support jacks are installed beneath the affected areas to provide immediate stabilization and lift. They can be adjusted over time to maintain the right level of support as conditions change.

Crawl space jack attached to floor joist and concrete base,

Both foundation piers and crawl space support jacks are effective, long-term solutions for repairing and stabilizing your foundation. By addressing the underlying issues, they help ensure the safety and longevity of home remodeling projects.

Foundation Repair For Remodeling Should Always Come First

FSS inspector taking a closer look at a concrete foundation.

If you know you have a foundation problem, but you’re considering repairing or remodeling other parts of your home – STOP! You’ll first want to book a free inspection with a foundation repair company you can trust, like Foundation Support Specialists.

Our experienced inspectors will provide free inspections and recommend options that will fit your budget and needs. The sooner you correct foundation damage, the sooner you can get back to the fun stuff like picking kitchen cabinet colors or designing your new bathroom shower. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection!

schedule your free inspection today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Will repairing my foundation delay my remodeling project?

While foundation repair is like to delay the start of your remodeling project, it is a necessary step to ensure your renovations last. The time required for foundation repairs varies depending on the extent of the damage and the repair method, but addressing these issues upfront will actually save time and money in the long run.

How much does foundation repair cost, and will it affect my remodeling budget?

The cost of foundation repair can vary depending on the severity of the issues and the chosen repair method. While it may impact your remodeling budget, investing in foundation repair is crucial for the overall success and longevity of your remodeling efforts. It’s better to allocate funds for these repairs now rather than paying high expenses later due to foundation problems.

Can I perform foundation repairs and remodeling simultaneously?

In some rare cases, it may be possible to work on foundation repairs and certain aspects of remodeling simultaneously. However, this depends on the nature of the foundation repair process and the type of remodeling work being done. It’s essential to consult with professionals to create a coordinated plan that ensures safety and efficiency.

Related Resources

Helical pier foundation repair solution 3D model.

The Texas Guide to Pier and Beam Foundation Repair

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Exterior stairstep crack on the top corner of brick foundation window seal.

How to Recognize Crack Severity in Your Home

Discover the causes of foundation cracks and learn how to identify which ones pose a threat in this article. We offer free inspections!

What is The Best Time of Year for Foundation Repair?

Wondering about the best time of year to get foundation repair? Here’s your answer: as long as it’s not raining or snowing, anytime is a good time! But detecting seasonal shifts in your foundation is essential, as environmental impacts can lead to significant issues. Let’s explore how each season can unveil your home’s needs and […]