Posts in category: Construction

Searching for a foundation repair company in Utah? If you want an unbiased opinion on your home, have a structural engineer assess your home. Engineers have nothing to sell but their services, so they will only recommend what is necessary to ensure the stability and and safety of a home. The average cost is around $400-$500.

Has your foundation faced an increase or decrease of water? First, let’s look at water building up around the outside of your foundation. Flooding and pressure from water can absolutely wreak havoc. When water builds up in the soil it pushes that earth outward. The push will eventually put pressure on your foundation. Over time that can move your foundation inward. Water build up could impact a crawl space or full basement regardless if it is constructed from stones, blocks or a full wall of reinforced concrete. Look to see if your wall has bowed inward, if there’s evidence of water on the inside wall surface and / or if there are any cracks. Keep in mind also that a lack of water can cause just as much damage to a foundation as a flood. If there’s been a severe drought in your area it could mean the soil has pulled back from your foundation and that could also cause the structure to shift because the perimeter is no longer supported and has less protection from the elements. This is a particular issue in areas on slab foundations because the foundation is underground. A loss of underground moisture isn’t visible with the naked eye so a homeowner should keep their attention on the ground level.

After a successful run in Houston, the mountains began to call. He moved his family to Colorado Springs in 2004. Some years later, Chad was hired by a large foundation repair company as a sales supervisor which renewed his passion for foundation work. When the opportunity came to branch out on his own again, he jumped at it. Why Foundation Professionals of Utah? We are foundation repair and basement waterproofing innovators in Utah. We are led by partners who each have multiple years of experience either designing foundation repair solutions or installing those solutions. Moreover, we are fully licensed and insured. Discover even more details on Tested & Verified Foundation Repair Solutions Salt Lake City.

If you have a broken water pipe, a plugged gutter, or a drainage problem in your yard alongside a perimeter foundation to weaken the area, a contractor might be able to shore up the area with more concrete or shim the sill plate to make the area level again.

When you have an in-home inspection from our foundation repair contractors you can expect us to carefully evaluate your home for foundation problems or structural issues. We will take you around the house and help you understand what is happening in your home. We explain everything in a way that is easy to understand, even if you have no prior knowledge of basement foundations or how to repair leaky basements. After explaining the foundation problems to you, we provide you with a range of repair solutions so you can choose the right solution for your needs.

Watch the slope. Water pooling up near your home’s foundation is never a good thing. You should ensure your yard’s grade slopes away from the home in order to push away excess water that would otherwise seep into the foundation. On a related note, always make sure downspouts and gutters are pointed in the appropriate directions. Discover extra info on foundationprosofutah.com.

Searching for a basement waterproofing company in Utah? Typically, a company that is focused on their customer service will provide the best service and take care of their customers needs. You can tell a lot about a company by how their staff treats you from the initial phone call. Was the person that answered the phone courteous and professional? If you filled out an online request, did they respond promptly? When the technician came to do the assessment, were they polite, professional and did they explain everything entirely? These are just a few things to evaluate. When a company is focused on the customer, they are in business to serve their customers and will provide a great experience.

After the foundation of a house is built, the loose soil is back-filled around the foundation and can sometimes allow water seepage into your basement. As years pass by, this soil can also expand, placing pressure on the foundation and causing problems for the home. Foundation repair companies like the one we will present below, have developed several methods for solving these issues, thereby restoring both price and safety to your home.

Chad is a 3rd Generation contractor. He was raised in West Texas with strong family values. Being a third-generation graduate of Texas Tech University, Chad put himself through college just as his mother and grandmother did before him. After graduation Chad became a property adjuster specializing in foundation claims for State Farm because it not only required his new degree but also allowed him to use the contracting experience he gained while running his business during college. Upon the arrival of his third child with his wife Deena, Chad knew his income would have to increase. When Chad left State Farm, he went back into general contracting in Houston Texas. Read more information on Basement waterproofing Utah.

Look to your inside walls for signs of needed repair. Angled cracks in the plaster or at joints above a doorframe can be the first sign of a shifting foundation. If the home is settling in an un-level manner, cracks in walls could be prominent. On the other hand, anyone with a full basement – whether poured concrete, stacked stone, concrete block construction, bricks, or something else – can easily access the inside of the walls of their foundation. Look for cracks of a substantial nature or other signs of damage such as window frames bending or lowered ceiling height.

Watch the slope. Water pooling up near your home’s foundation is never a good thing. You should ensure your yard’s grade slopes away from the home in order to push away excess water that would otherwise seep into the foundation. On a related note, always make sure downspouts and gutters are pointed in the appropriate directions.

When it comes to foundation repair methods, trust that Foundation Professionals of Utah is the foundation repair company with every known solution the industry. Some of the tools we have available are foundation piers, helical piers, wall anchors, helical tiebacks, epoxy crack repair, perimeter drainage systems, basement waterproofing in all forms and crawlspace encapsulation. Providing you and your family a healthy, stable and dry home is our goal. Doing it cost-effectively is your goal. We understand the balance between the two. See even more information on this website.

Foundation repair in Denver? An engineer may ask for certain testing to be done on things like soil, helical piers or push pier bearing capacities. We have learned not to rush engineers. Soil samples sometimes take up to 3 weeks to come back from the lab if they are requested by the engineer. We know that our customers are eager to have the solution installed but we also want to provide the best, most accurate and well-thought-out solution for your foundation repair based upon all of the information available.

Does foundation repair affect home value? Foundation issues will bring down the value of your home. How much depends on the extent of the damage. As a very rough estimate, significant issues can bring down the value as much as 10%-15%. On the plus side, 10%-15% of a $250,000 home is $25,000-$37,500. As we’ve seen, the average cost of repair is significantly lower than that. Make the right deal and you can save a nice chunk of change. Another thing to consider is that some buyers will get nervous just knowing the house had issues in the past. You might be comfortable buying the home and doing the work, but you may have trouble getting full value from it when it’s time to sell.

After the foundation of a house is built, the loose soil is back-filled around the foundation and can sometimes allow water seepage into your basement. As years pass by, this soil can also expand, placing pressure on the foundation and causing problems for the home. Foundation repair companies like the one we will present below, have developed several methods for solving these issues, thereby restoring both price and safety to your home.

Our in-home appointments begin with an initial inspection. Our foundation inspectors will use a variety of instruments to help determine any foundation problems or structural issues. Once we understand your unique issue we take you around the house and help you understand what is happening in your home.

These inspections should be conducted both inside the home (within the basement) and along all exterior surfaces of the foundation. In order to make absolutely sure your foundation is in the best possible condition, a professional should be the one to conduct the investigation of your foundation and assess the situation. By hiring a professional you are guaranteed a thorough investigation of your foundation. A professional has comprehensive knowledge of what your home foundation repair needs. They will not only fix the problem but give your home a stronger support system.

We are foundation repair and basement waterproofing innovators in the Colorado Springs, Denver and Pueblo areas. We are led by partners who each have multiple years of experience either designing foundation repair solutions or installing those solutions. We are fully licensed and insured. The founding partners of Foundation Professionals of Colorado recognized a need for a foundation repair contractor in our community that provides straight and honest answers and leaves the buying decision in the hands of the customer where it belongs. As a foundation repair company, we seek to educate and consult our customers on all repair methods and let you decide how to proceed with your repairs. Read extra info on Foundation repair Colorado.

The repair costs for my foundation came in right around $500 and required about a weekend of my time. My costs include the French drain materials and the waterproofing paint for the inside wall. I already owned the shovel. However, I was lucky because the problems weren’t more serious. Other repairs are going to be much more intensive and expensive than installing simple drainage options. For some basement homes with foundation cracks the only option is excavating the soil surrounding the entire foundation, waterproofing, shoring up and installing a more substantial drainage system. Costs for this type of foundation repair are going to add up very quickly due to the amount of labor, materials and equipment needed to complete it. Extra needs could compound on top of that $7000 average. However, sometimes it is necessary to hire a professional regardless of your home improvement skills or the cost to complete the foundation repair.

Searching for a foundation contractor in Colorado? If you want an unbiased opinion on your home, have a structural engineer assess your home. Engineers have nothing to sell but their services, so they will only recommend what is necessary to ensure the stability and and safety of a home. The average cost is around $400-$500.

Ledgestone? retaining wall building in Colorado: How wide should a retaining wall trench be? The trench you are going to build your retaining wall in should be wide, deep, and level. Size the trench so there’s enough room for the block and at least 8 inches of space behind it. Excavate deep enough to completely bury at least one full course, including space for 6 to 8 inches of base material. Establish a level trench to ensure an even layer of base material. That will help prevent the wall from tipping after freeze/thaw cycles. Our experts use a laser level and a story pole to determine the depth of the trench.

First of all, what is No Fines Concrete (NFC)? Basically it is just what the name suggests, concrete without any fine aggregates or sand. It consists of generally an aggregate (gravel), cement and water. The aggregate is coated with the cement slurry binding it together, it dries with the strength of concrete but with voids or air pockets. This makes the NFC light weight and allows water to pass through its honeycomb texture.

We also repair existing retaining walls. Many railroad tie walls or older concrete retaining walls which may or may not include rocks or boulders are beginning to show signs of failure. Often times a homeowner will build a DIY retaining wall that needs help after years of service. Colorado Retaining Wall specializes in the building and repair of retaining walls. Whether the wall is for a backyard or driveway of a residence or a commercial Shopping Center, we design and build large block walls for all Earth retention requirements. We have the ability to fortify the wall with shotcrete or soil nails which would include helical tie-backs or micropiles. Nearly every wall we build requires engineering and we have deep relationships with engineers that work hand-in-hand with our foremen regardless of the size of project. Please read our reviews and look and our photo gallery. Read extra information on Best Retaining Walls Colorado.

Perhaps not as builder-friendly for the first-time DIY’er, a concrete retaining wall can nevertheless provide maximum protection for any property against drainage and erosion problems. According to the experts at Quikrete, unlike brick and stone, walls built with concrete do not require additional reinforcement because the width of the base and the weight of the wall provide adequate structural support. The most important step in constructing a strong, attractive concrete wall is building a sturdy, accurate form. Wall forms must be strong enough to withstand the great pressure exerted by the wet concrete; any failure in the forms will be disastrous. A straight wall form is constructed of 1/2-inch, 5/8-inch or 3/4-inch exterior grade plywood sheathing, studs, spacers, ties and walls. Sheathing forms the mold, while studs back up and support the sheathing.

A wall that leans into the soil it retains is less likely to be pushed outward by soil pressure than a plain-old vertical wall. Design and build your retaining wall to slope at a minimum rate of one inch for every one-foot of rise (height). Fortunately, working with retaining wall blocks makes it incredibly easy to achieve this “step-back” construction! The locking flange on the bottom edge of every block guides it to click into position slightly behind the lower block, preventing the top blocks from being pushed outward.

Quartz kitchen counter tops Colorado Springs? Countertop Maintenance: Most experts agree that granite requires moderate maintenance when compared with solid surface, quartz, laminate, glass or ceramic tile. Marble is moderate to high maintenance. The care involved is keeping it sealed, avoiding acidic materials and wiping up spills quickly. Granite countertop prices are slightly lower than marble countertop costs. Granite begins at about $75 per square foot installed. Marble starts at closer to $100 per square foot installed. The best granite countertops can cost $175 per square foot installed while marble can top $200.

“I’ve had people say, “Why does my marble countertop already look horrible only three months after it was installed?’ ” says Bruno. “I ask them what cleansers they’re using, or tell them to ask their cleaning person or their husband. If it’s something abrasive, they’re stripping away the sealant and leaving the stone wide open to stains.” But stains aren’t the only things you have to be concerned about. Marble is also prone to what’s called etching—that is, dull marks on the surface caused by contact with acidic substances. You’d be surprised how many cooking ingredients are acidic—lemon juice, vinegar, tomato sauce; the list goes on. Etching marks can’t just be buffed away; they require more aggressive treatment.

Commercial marble is either metamorphic or sedimentary in composition, made primarily of calcite. Some “marbles” may be a type of quartzite or quartz-based stone, and green “marbles” are made of a mineral called serpentine. Marble is usually characterized by having veins and a smoother surface texture than granite. Like granite, marble ranges from white to black in color and will have some degree of variation in color over its surface. Both marble and granite vary in appearance from slab to slab because the minerals that make up the color of the stone may change depending on where it is cut from.

When it comes to countertops, quartz is quickly becoming an affordable and low maintenance alternative to our beloved marble. There are even new trends for accessorizing your countertops, like vintage plate racks made to display your grandmother’s china. Hardware and metal finishes continue to push the envelope—think brass, nickel, and matte black. Removable wallpaper companies are making it even easier to experiment with pattern on walls and backsplashes. Consider 2020 as the year of the kitchen! Carrara marble like that shown here will always be in style, but if you’re a red wine drinker, quartz could be a much better fit for you and your kitchen. While it looks like a natural stone, engineered quartz is more affordable and less prone to stains. Find additional details on Assortment of custom marble & Luxury Granite Colorado.

Granite is a granular igneous rock which has a phaneritic texture, it is formed by the slow crystallization of the magma under the surface of the earth. Many items that we encounter in our daily activities especially in big cities where pavers, floor tiles and cemetery monuments are made from granite. Many famous places like Mount Rushmore, Yosemite Valley and Torres del Paine in Chile are granite hubs.

If your neighbour consents then that is the end of the matter as far as The Party Wall Act is concerned although to protect yourself you may wish to arrange for a schedule to be taken on their property to identify its existing condition. This will ensure that any existing defects are recorded and not wrongly attributed to your work later. If your neighbour chooses not to consent in writing then the next decision to be made is whether 1 or 2 surveyors are appointed. The Act allows for an ‘Agreed Surveyor’ and you are free to put forward the name of your surveyor for their your neighbours consideration although you should not put any pressure on them to concur in his appointment.

Party wall problems? Here are several tips: What is not covered by the Act? The Act relates only to certain specific types of work and is permissive in nature. It should not be seen as a method of objecting to or preventing works and it is not intended to be applied to minor jobs that do not affect the structural integrity or loading of a party wall. It is generally agreed that works such as fixing plug sockets, screwing in shelving or replastering walls are minor works and do not require a notice. Notices: The workings of the Act are always instigated by the of issuing notices. This is the first stage of the process and, without the issue of valid notices, no further action can be taken under the provision of the Act. Written notice must be served on adjoining owners at least two months before starting any party wall works (one month for works to the line of junction or excavations). All adjoining owners must be served a notice and there are likely to be instances where there is more than one adjoining property and more than one owner of each property (ie: if the adjoining property is split into flats and owned on a leasehold basis, notices will be required to both leaseholder and freeholder of all flats affected by the works). Works to a party wall, or those affecting a ceiling or floor, will also require a notice to adjoining owners living above or below.

It might seem obvious, but it’s important that you carry out a thorough clean and tidy of your entire home before the surveyor arrives. Tidying up also gives you the opportunity to rearrange your home so that the significant selling points are exposed for when your potential buyers arrive for the first time. Overall, tidying makes it easier for the surveyor to do their work.

More common aspects of the property that the Building Survey may cover can be woodworm, dry rot or damage to timbers, structural damage, results of tests for damp in the wall, information regarding the materials used in the property construction, the costs for possible repairs and possibly a recommendation for further investigations into the property.

The RICS Building Survey is well suited to unusual properties, older or non-standard construction properties were buildings which are away from the status quo. They are most typically commissioned for older properties whether listed or not and are valuable for understanding the common issued associated with their original methods of construction, as well as giving new owners advice on the best methods to preserve or maintain their condition and rectify problems before they become devastating to the property. Where our traditional building stock has been modernised, altered or extended a RICS Building Survey will be able to investigate if these modern methods of construction are affecting the traditionally built building such as PVC or Cement, which in modern houses designed to be kept dry function surprisingly well but in older traditional stock designed to have breathability there inclusion can lead to all sorts of moisture retention and this can lead to rot or beetle infestation. Read extra info on Party Wall Surveyor Whitstable.

Ok so I should never serve notices myself? Actually that is not what we are saying we are just saying weigh up what it could potentially cost you if you get it wrong and if you don’t really understand what your doing its probably cheaper and easier to get a Party Wall Surveyor to do it for you. We have provided DIY templates in the notices section at the top of the website for you to easily fill out if you know what you are doing these are based of Facility of Party Wall Surveyors documents and include our details for easy appointments should you need a party wall surveyor. Should you need an expert Party Wall Surveyor Kent or generally on party wall matters please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01843 808184 or email us at info@home-heroes.co.uk or use our contact form on the website.

The most frequent question we get asked is, but we’ve had a survey the bank arranged it while it true that you can have a Level 2 or 3 survey through your mortgage provider. It is more likely a valuation report that has been commissioned and these are there purely to make sure the bank has the ability to get back from the property in resale what you’ve asked it to lend you. It doesn’t report on lots of things and in most cases, you never get to see it. A property survey is a key stage during the the conveyancing process for any buyer. The results help you decide whether you should proceed with the purchase at the current asking price, negotiate with the seller due to defects or even pull out from the whole deal all together. As one of the most comprehensive surveys available, more often than not a building survey will be requested by potential buyers of your property. It is a wide range inspection of the entirety of a property done in more specific depth than a Homebuyers Report or a Mortgage Valuation. A Building Survey’s purpose is to give a detailed report of the condition of the property in question.

Home and building survey tips and tricks : Is your House a Well? OK, this may seem a weird question to ask, but it even happened to me! A ground floor flat I bought showed damp in the front room wall. The previous owners had built another wall outside and put a concrete ‘floor’ in between. The result: a fantastic well when it rained! It was easy to fix, the concrete came out and was replaced with gravel so water can drain away. Electrical and Gas Safety, I don’t know why, but every home I’ve ever bought has had a really useless boiler! As a result I’ve had to fork out between 1,000 to 2,000 to get a new one fitted. So, after having this happen twice, I now make sure I ask the surveyor to have a quick look and then I get a Gas Safety Registered plumber to check it out – albeit at an extra cost of up to 75. However, this has saved me over 10,000 due to the number of properties I’ve bought over the years! Find additional info on www.home-heroes.co.uk.

Jacuzzi remodeling quartz products Colorado Springs, CO? You don’t have to go nuts to achieve an on-trend kitchen. While an apron-front sink in a farmhouse kitchen isn’t exactly unexpected, a farmhouse sink in soapstone with brass hardware is a showstopper—especially when it’s set against white walls, wood cabinets, and stainless steel countertops. For those who fear color, focus on mixing up the finishes. Designer Cathy Chapman chose white beadboard on the ceiling and shiplap for the walls. She used unlacquered brass strap hinges and latches on the cabinets, black marble on the island countertop, and tons of warm woods on the floors, backsplash, and remaining countertops. When you want to maintain neutrality but still have some fun in the kitchen, shoot for the stars—or in this case, the ceiling. Here, the Madcap Cottage team chose to paint the ceiling a Southern porch-inspired blue (Blue Ground by Farrow & Ball) and added an elaborate antique lantern.

Countertop Maintenance: Most experts agree that granite requires moderate maintenance when compared with solid surface, quartz, laminate, glass or ceramic tile. Marble is moderate to high maintenance. The care involved is keeping it sealed, avoiding acidic materials and wiping up spills quickly. Granite countertop prices are slightly lower than marble countertop costs. Granite begins at about $75 per square foot installed. Marble starts at closer to $100 per square foot installed. The best granite countertops can cost $175 per square foot installed while marble can top $200.

Natural stone kitchen counters make stunning additions to any home. Stone has a unique beauty that cannot be reproduced by other materials, which is why it remains such a popular surface after so many years. Many stones may be used on the counter, but two of the most common are granite and marble. Both stones are available in slabs that can be installed as counters, and they provide years of use. But, these two materials are very different from one another in the way they look and function in a busy kitchen environment. We outline their differences below so that you can make a more informed decision for your home.

Applications: The durable quality of granite makes it appropriate for kitchen countertops and hallways where there is high foot activity while marble is more apt for areas where there is less traffic like bathrooms. Marble gives a bright unique look and is suitable for surfaces that are used less frequently. Cost: Granite and marble both are to be installed by professionals as the slabs are really heavy. The approximate cost for both marble and granite is $50 to $100 however high end granite is cheaper than its counterpart marble. The actual price however depends on the quality of the stone, complexity of the job and the style of the tiles.

At Evident Luxury Marble & Granite our strategy is simple: offer a high quality product with professional installation at a reasonable price. We strive to keep our costs low so we can offer high quality products to our customers at very affordable prices. We maintain a high standard while building lasting relationships with our customers. We value the trust our customers place in us. We have one of the fastest turnaround times from template to install and we stand behind our work. Our top priority is your satisfaction! Find more info at Granite counter tops Colorado Springs.

“I’ve had people say, “Why does my marble countertop already look horrible only three months after it was installed?’ ” says Bruno. “I ask them what cleansers they’re using, or tell them to ask their cleaning person or their husband. If it’s something abrasive, they’re stripping away the sealant and leaving the stone wide open to stains.” But stains aren’t the only things you have to be concerned about. Marble is also prone to what’s called etching—that is, dull marks on the surface caused by contact with acidic substances. You’d be surprised how many cooking ingredients are acidic—lemon juice, vinegar, tomato sauce; the list goes on. Etching marks can’t just be buffed away; they require more aggressive treatment.

Party wall issues? Here are several tips: What is covered by the Act? There are certain items of work that you can only be done after notifying the adjoining owners and either receiving written agreement of the neighbour or with a Party Wall Award prepared by a surveyor/s. Notifiable works include (but are not limited to): cutting into a wall to take the bearing of a beam, for example for a loft conversion, inserting a damp proof course, even if only to your own side of a party wall, raising a party wall and, if necessary, cutting off any objects preventing this from happening, demolishing and rebuilding a party wall, underpinning a party wall or part of a party wall, weathering the junction of adjoining walls or buildings by cutting a flashing into an adjoining building, excavating foundations within three metres of a neighbour’s structure and lower than its foundations, excavating foundations within six metres of a neighbour’s structure and below a line drawn down at 45° from the bottom of its foundations.

In order to ascertain whether any damage to your neighbour’s property has been caused by the execution of the works, a ‘Schedule of Condition’ is normally prepared by the party wall surveyor(s) prior to the works, which can then be referred to following completion. The building owner undertaking the works will be liable for any damage caused. For this reason and to avoid false claims, even in the event your neighbour agrees to the works and accepts the notice it is strongly advisable to prepare a Schedule of Condition of their property in the areas which may potentially be affected.

The Party Wall Act requires you to serve notice on any neighbours that may be affected by your planned works either 1 or 2 months in advance depending upon which type of notice it is. The first decision you have to make to be made is whether to serve the notice yourself or get a Party Wall Surveyor to do it for you. There are no prescribed forms for the notice so there is no reason why you should not do it yourself (there are some sample letters in Part 5 of the Party Wall leaflet) although if you are going to be appointing a surveyor later it would be better to get them to serve the notice as well.

These types of work all require notices to be served as required by the act, once notice has been served, if there is dissent then it is deemed there is a dispute and the Act allows for this, this would be the dispute or resolution stage. Most disputes arrives when the Adjoining Owner has worries or concerns with the proposed work or simply fails to respond in the statutory time to the building owner, for which there could be many reasons. Where a dispute arises either due to non-consent or no response then the Act lays down the steps required to resolve the dispute this is where the Building Owner and the Adjoining Owner will each appoint there Surveyor this could be one each or even the same surveyor with agreement for all parties working as the Agreed Surveyor. See more info at https://www.partywall.pro/.