Flipping houses can be a lucrative business, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most common issues that house flippers encounter is foundation problems. Buyers often overlook houses with foundation issues because of the hefty repair cost associated with fixing them. No one wants a house that leans precariously to the left. However, with the help of foundation repair contractors, those forgotten houses can become a profitable investment. Here's what you need to know.
Types of Foundation Problems
Various types of foundation problems can cause major damage to a house. Some of the most common ones include foundation cracks, sinking or settling foundation issues, bowing or leaning walls, and uneven floors. These problems can lead to issues such as water damage, pest infestations, and structural instability, among others. While foundation issues may make the average home buyer turn around and run, this is exactly the type of house a real estate investor wants. The worse the foundation, the less they'll pay for the house. Unless the house is falling into a sinkhole, a good foundation repair contractor can fix the issue.
Cracks in the Foundation
Cracks can occur due to a variety of factors, such as water damage, soil movement, or temperature changes. The key to fixing cracks is to identify the root cause of the problem and address it. Foundation repair contractors use techniques such as epoxy injection or structural foam to fill and repair the cracks.
Sinking or Settling
If the foundation sinks or settles, it can cause major damage to the house. Foundation experts use various techniques to fix this issue based on the severity of the problem. Some of the common methods include piering or mud jacking. Piering involves installing steel piers under the foundation to support and lift it. Mud jacking is used to lift a sunken foundation by injecting a mixture of mud and cement beneath it. Both solutions should permanently fix the problem.
Bowing or Leaning Walls
Bowing or leaning walls can occur due to soil pressure, hydrostatic pressure, or weak foundation walls. Foundation experts can stabilize the walls and prevent further damage by using techniques such as carbon fiber straps, steel beams, or helical tiebacks to provide support.
Uneven Floors
Uneven floors can occur due to foundation settling or improper installation of floor joists. Foundation experts can even out the floors by installing additional support beams and leveling the foundation.
Foundation problems can cost a lot of money to fix, but they should not deter house flippers from investing in a property. With the help of foundation experts, even the house no one wanted can become a neighborhood beauty. As a real estate investor, it is important to be aware of the different types of foundation problems that houses can encounter and how to fix them.
Contact a local foundation repair contractor to learn more.
Yes, construction workers and contractors spend some time planning and designing. They spend time sourcing materials and giving quotes. But to most construction workers and contractors, the best part of the job is the build itself. These are people who typically enjoy working with their hands and creating things, so when a building or structure comes together in the end, they find it very satisfying.
if you can relate to this feeling, then you might make a good contractor yourself! We recommend that you read a few articles on this blog to get a better sense of this industry, and then perhaps look into training programs and internships.