Don't Get Fooled By These 5 Foundation Repair Myths

If you're like most people, Google is the first place you go when you have questions. 

Weird bump on your leg? Google. Forgot how to hard boil an egg? Google. Curious if grapes are safe for dogs to eat? Google. (Spoiler alert: they aren't).

But when it comes to your home, Google can be a double-edged sword in finding reliable information. There's a lot of misinformation out there, especially about foundation repair. 

Don't worry, though. We go over the top five common myths about foundation repair, and we're here to bust them. Just call us the Mythbusters. Let's go ahead and get into it.

Myth #1: Foundation repair is expensive

Money is an essential factor in whether or not you get your foundation repaired. We get it. The truth is the cost of foundation repair varies greatly depending on the scope of work, the amount of damage, and the materials and labor needed to get the job done. 

We will say this, though. As a homeowner, it's important to consider the difference between price and cost. The upfront price might seem like a lot, but if you wait, it'll cost you much more in the long run. So you can save thousands by fixing your issue sooner rather than later. 

Reputable contractors also offer financing plans and other resources to help fit your budget. 

Myth #2: Selling a home with foundation repair is impossible

It's a common misunderstanding that any home with previous foundation problems is hard to sell. 

Here's the truth: The house will sell just fine if the structure has been fixed correctly by a reputable company.

In fact, it may even be a good thing. At some point or another, all foundations will deal with cracks, sinking, and settling. So if you're looking to sell your home with foundation work or buy a house with foundation work, you can have peace of mind knowing the home is probably more stable than it's ever been. 

Myth #3: You can DIY foundation repair

It's normal to try to figure out how to fix things yourself. That's why when homeowners see cracks in their walls, their first plan of action is to bring out the caulk.

 

It might seem like a good idea to fill those cracks, but unfortunately, it won't fix the problem. The crack is just a symptom. The real problem is your foundation is sinking and settling into the earth. Filling a crack will not fix that and could lead to future damage and cost you more in the long run.

Myth #4: New homes don't crack

Soil does not discriminate. Whether your home is a hundred years old or one year old, soil can cause foundation problems.

If your new home has been poorly graded, in an area that rains a lot, or isn't waterproofed, you could end up with foundation problems. It doesn't mean your home is poorly built; it means the soil your home is sitting on has a lot of movement.

Myth #5: Overwatering can damage the foundation

This myth is 100% false. Watering your lawn will not contribute to any foundation problems. Soil expansion from overwatering would not have a large enough impact to cause hydrostatic pressure and cracking. 

The thing you need to look out for is clogged gutters and downspouts. Water pooling around your foundation from poor drainage systems can weaken the soil around your home over time. When soil absorbs too much water, it starts to expand. That expansion causes the soil to push up against your foundation, causing cracks and bowing walls. 

Our best tip for foundation repair

Don't let myths and random things you find online deter you from getting foundation repair. Our best tip when dealing with foundation problems is to find a reputable foundation repair contractor to inspect your home. They will tell you the steps you need to take to fix your home for the long haul. And the good news is: Most contractors give free inspections. 

If you're in our service area, we'd love to take care of you. Here at Midwest, we have what it takes to keep your home safe. You can schedule a free inspection with us, with no obligation, to help find the underlying issues and discuss the best solution for you and your home. Call us today or fill out this online form to get scheduled!