A study by a structural engineer stated that an estimated 25 percent of American houses have faulty foundations. A foundation repair makes a home structurally safe, but it cannot undo the damage the shifting may have caused. You may still be left with a few aesthetic concerns following repairs.

Repairs can take place once the home has a solid base again. Most of the projects are simple DIY fixes, but some may be a little more complex. Here are some of the projects homeowners should plan to complete after a foundation repair.

1. Repair Walls and Ceilings

Cracks in walls and ceilings are some of the most common signs of foundation problems. Homeowners may even notice a few new cracks after the repair takes place. The added marks will appear most often in houses where the foundation was also unlevel. Plan to begin any projects a few weeks after the contractor finishes the repairs to give the home time to settle.

Patch any cracks and repaint everything for a fresh new look. Homeowners may want to remove and replace wall and window trim if large gaps appeared or if the trim developed cracks. Use wood putty in the small spaces where the trim pieces used to meet to hide any separation. The gaps become unnoticeable once the putty is dry, sanded, and painted.

2. Adjust Doors and Windows

Doors and windows that were inoperable or were difficult to use may not function perfectly even after the repair. This occurs most often when someone installed the window or door after the structural concerns began. Something that was level in a tilted wall may now be uneven once the house is stable. Remove and rehang the window or door to make it level and operable.



3. Replace Caulking Around Windows

Any movement in the home that was severe enough to make windows difficult to use could also pull and stretch the caulking around the window. To ensure a tight seal around the windows, remove and replace any caulking around windows that were hard to open or close. Wait to complete this project until the windows are operable again.



4. Replace Brick or Tiles

Cracks can appear in floor and shower tiles and in the bricks around fireplaces either before or after the repairs. The severity of the damage could mean a complete replacement is necessary, but most homeowners usually have only a few cracked tiles to replace. Loose or missing grout can also occur even if the tiles are complete.



5. Fix Exterior Drainage Issues

Foundation repairs will typically include the correction of any shifting soil that contributed to the damage, but you may still have drainage issues to address. Water that collects around the foundation of the home will eventually become a problem even after a repair. Address any inadequate drainage quickly to avoid future expenses.

The solution depends on the extent of the problem and the specific drainage issue. The installation of a gutter system and extension of the downspout may be enough to direct the water away from the home. Some homeowners may need to add drainage trenches, regrade the yard so the water runs away from the home, or perform one of many other landscaping solutions.

Homeowners waste time and money when they fix interior problems like cracked walls or sticking doors before a foundation repair. A home is never perfect unless the foundation is solid. At Bonilla Foundation Repair , we can make the repairs necessary to stabilize the home so you can have the beautiful, safe home you want. Contact us today for an inspection and estimate.