Foundation issues are some of the most daunting and potentially expensive problems a homeowner can face. Cracks in the walls, uneven floors, or doors that won’t close properly, these are telltale signs that your home’s foundation may need attention.
To give the overview of foundation repair, Bob Brown, a foundation repair contractor & Linda Peltz as realtor Clovis CA shares insights from his 40+ years of experience.
In this guide, they explore some common myths, mistakes, and essential tips for navigating the foundation repair process. Tune in below for more
Bob Brown Expertise & Innovation
Bob graduated in 1984 from ASU receiving a Bachelor of Design Science from the School of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science from the School of Business specializing in Real Estate and Finance. Growing up Bob spent time learning the construction trades working with his family while learning good working habits.
Bob successfully founded Arizona Foundation Solutions and built one of the only foundation repair companies to utilize licensed professional engineers on the front end to analyze the initial conditions, make recommendations and specify repairs before presenting proposals to home owners. After 35 years he successfully exited.
Along those 35 years he developed and patented 4 successful unique solutions with 3 more pending. He also developed a cloud based software solution to streamline and assist engineers and contractors in home foundation investigations. He also wrote and self-published several publications including “which way is my foundation moving?” and is scheduled to “Foundation Repair Secrets” in Sept of 2023 by Advantage Media.
Bob has achieved the following designations:
- Certified Foundation Repair Specialist from the National Foundation Repair Association
- LEED Accredited from the National Green Building Council
- Qualifying party and licensed Contractor since 1989
- Completed Grouting Fundamentals Course from the Colorado School of Mines 2009
- Listed as EPA approved Radon Measurement Specialist
- Listed as EPA approved Radon Mitigation Specialist
- Post Tensioning Institute Level 1 Certification
- International Concrete Repair Institute Moisture Measurement Certified
- AZDRE CEU Provider
Understanding Foundation Issues
Foundation problems are not as simple as they may seem. Bob Brown emphasizes that many homeowners,and even real estate professionals, misunderstand the underlying causes. One of the biggest misconceptions? That the soil beneath a home is uniform and static. In reality, soil is made up of various layers, each with different densities, water absorption properties, and reactions to environmental factors.
These differences mean that a foundation can shift and move in unexpected ways, often depending on how water interacts with the soil. As Bob says, “Dirt isn’t just dirt.” Understanding this complexity is crucial for diagnosing foundation problems accurately.
The Role of Geotechnical Engineers
When it comes to assessing foundation movement, not just anyone can provide reliable advice. Brown stresses the importance of consulting with a forensic geotechnical engineer. Unlike foundation repair contractors, who often work on commission and may have a financial interest in recommending extensive repairs, geotechnical engineers offer unbiased, expert evaluations. Their advice is based on the geology of the area and can help homeowners avoid unnecessary expenses.
Common Foundation Repair Myths
According to Bob Brown, one of the most harmful myths in the foundation repair industry is that a foundation contractor’s plan is always reviewed and approved by an engineer before permits are issued. Homeowners are often told this, but it’s simply not true.
In reality, many cities only require a basic “spacing plan” for the placement of foundation piers, which doesn’t take into account the unique issues that may affect an individual home. Bob cautions homeowners to never assume that the city’s permitting process will protect them from faulty foundation designs.
Another myth is the home value of lifetime warranties offered by foundation repair companies. While these warranties sound great in theory, Bob explains that they are often filled with loopholes that protect the contractor, not the homeowner. Instead, Bob suggests that a seal from a licensed engineer who designed the repair plan is far more valuable than any so-called lifetime warranty.
Common Mistakes Real Estate Professionals Make
Real estate agents often find themselves in the difficult position of advising clients on whether foundation repairs are necessary. Bob points out that many agents make the mistake of relying on foundation repair contractors for this advice. Since these contractors work on commission, their recommendations can be biased.
The best course of action, he explains, is for real estate professionals to build relationships with qualified forensic geotechnical engineers. By consulting these experts, agents can offer their clients reliable advice and avoid costly missteps.
How to Get an Accurate Foundation Diagnosis
When faced with signs of foundation problems, such as cracks in the walls or uneven floors, homeowners should always seek multiple opinions. However, Bob warns that getting several estimates from different foundation repair contractors can be confusing, as each contractor might offer a different solution with varying costs.
Instead of relying solely on contractors, homeowners should start by hiring a forensic geotechnical engineer to conduct an unbiased assessment. The engineer will provide a detailed plan for the necessary repairs, which homeowners can then use to solicit bids from contractors. This ensures that they are comparing “apples to apples” when evaluating repair costs.
Once a repair plan is in place, Bob advises hiring a special inspector to oversee the work. Ideally, this should be the same engineer who designed the repair plan. This ensures that the project is completed according to the highest standards, as the engineer is invested in seeing the work done correctly.
Best way to reach Bob Brown is through his Website.
https://foundationrepairsecrets.com
FOLLOW US; CLICK FOR YOUR FAVOURITE CHANNEL
https://linktr.ee/RealtorFresnoCA
Call me for further details:
Linda Peltz, eXp Realty | DRE 01997670
559-353-4556
lwpproperty@gmail.com