Choosing a Contractor for a Bathroom Remodel

Your bathroom remodel should begin by gathering recommendations. What’s the easiest way of doing this? Simply by word of mouth. Talk to family, friends, and members of your community! Who did they hire? Would they hire them again? If you know someone who has given you a recommendation, ask if you can see the work that was done on their project. We suggest getting 2-4 reliable recommendations, as too many can get confusing quickly.

Then, set up meetings with the contractors you’re choosing from. Ask for photos from past bathroom remodels that they've completed. Focus on their expertise in working with small spaces. A different skill set is needed depending on if the remodel will be done in a small or large space. Talk about your specific needs and vision. Be sure to leave plenty of time for the contractor to tell you all that they can do.  Most importantly, make sure to ask for references from their past customers. Take notes of your thoughts throughout each meeting!

Next, check the references you’ve obtained. Reach out to those past customers and ask questions. Did the contractor stay in budget and complete the job in a timely manner? Would they recommend the contractor to friends and family? Were they happy with the outcome? Was there anything they wish they had done differently?

When finally selecting a company, pay attention to the length of time the business has been operating, their BBB ratings, and any possible negative reviews, lawsuits, etc. Most companies that have been in business for a long time will likely have some sort of negative feedback. But, the question is, how was it handled? Did the company try to rectify the problem? Was it handled professionally? Or was it completely disregarded? Once you’ve made your decision and begin the “contract phase”, keep paying attention! Make sure that the contract is detailed and specific to everything you’ve discussed. Among other things, the contract should certainly include: 

• How disputes will be resolved

• Time-frame and payment schedule

• Project milestones

• How change-orders are handled

• A well-detailed, professionally drafted project plan

Should you need any help in finding a contractor for a bathroom remodel, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! Give Premier Foundation Repair a call (972-417-0823) or check out our website. We’d be more than happy to help.

Benefits Of Our Foundation Piers

The soils in Texas are tough on homes and many homeowners will have foundation problems at some point. Cracks in the walls, and doors and windows that stick shut are a common sign of foundation problems. If you start to notice these issues in your home, it is important to have a professional inspect your foundation. Cracks left alone will continue to get worse which can lead to expensive repairs.

If you find yourself in need of foundation repair, follow these quick tips. Remain calm and do some research. Find a reputable company that has been around a while. Dallas is filled with foundation repair companies that use cheap concrete piers that will not last. The foundation piers are going to protect your biggest investment.

At Premier Foundation Repair, we use DynaPier® foundation piers to repair home foundations. The reasons are simple, the DynaPier® has several distinct advantages over the competition. The DynaPier® was built to last and provides superior strength other piers can not match.

Advantages of the DynaPier®

For example, the DynaPier® is one of the only piers on the market that is constructed of both concrete and steel. It uses the strength of both to permanently support your home. Second, it is installed directly beneath the foundation, which means that the foundation will not be weakened by drilling into it. Several companies drill holes into the footing which can compromise the structural integrity of the footing.

Another huge benefit is that the DynaPier® is pressed all the way to bedrock or hard strata, until it reaches the point of resistance. This means that the pier is pressed until it can’t be pushed any further. Most other companies use piers that rely on the friction from the soil to hold them in place. When the soil shrinks and expands due to weather conditions these piers settle and so does the house they’re supposed to be holding up.

It’s easy to see why our piering system is superior to our competition. If your foundation shows signs of settling, like cracks in the walls and ceilings, doors and windows that stick or unlevel floors, give us a call.

Does Your Home Need Foundation Repair?

There are several types of home foundations, poured concrete, cinder block, slab, etc. In Texas, most home foundations are made up of concrete poured over steel rebar to form a slab. The steel is in place to keep the concrete from moving and to assist in holding it together. The combination of steel and concrete forms a strong foundation. But, as most Texas homeowners know, the soils here can wreak havoc on a home's foundation. A little foundation settlement is normal in a home, so how do you know if you need to have your foundation professionally repaired?

First let's recap the common signs of a failing foundation. Cracks in the drywall, exterior walls or ceiling, doors and windows that stick shut, and uneven floors. These are the major signs that you should have your foundation inspected. However, don't panic just yet, your home might be ok.

Pay Attention to the Details

Be sure to keep an eye on your home and take note of any sudden changes. If you have the same hairline crack in your drywall or ceiling that has been there for 10 years with no change, your home likely has minor settlement issues that does not require immediate action. However if that same crack started at six inches and grew to larger than two feet in only a few months, it is time to have it evaluated by a professional before it gets worse.

Some doors and windows will stick slightly depending on the season as the soil shrinks and expands with the weather. But if a door or window in your house will no longer open or close, it is a good idea to call and have your foundation evaluated.

Call us for a free home estimate.

Tips For Hiring a Foundation Repair Company

So you just found out that your home has major foundation damage and needs to be repaired. You have noticed cracks in the walls, but were hoping they would go away. It turns out the house is settling and needs foundation piers. Until now, you have never even heard of foundation piers, so now what do you do? Don’t panic, call the experts at Premiere Foundation Repair. 

We put together a few tips to help you through the process as you meet with foundation repair companies.

Research the Foundation Company

This seems like a no brainer, but it is important to take some time to research the company. Read the company’s website and learn about their products. Find out how long they have been in business? It is very important to hire an established company, rather than a company that might not be around to honor their warranties. At Premiere, we’ve been serving the Dallas metro for over 30 years. 

Here are a few more important questions to ask. What kind of foundation piers do they use? What are the benefits of their piers? Do they offer a warranty on their products? Also, be sure to look online for some reviews. Most companies will have reviews on Google, Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor, etc.

Research the Products

There are several different types of foundation piers available, and every company likes to boast of how their system is the best. It is important to take the time to educate yourself about the foundation piers that a company uses to fix your foundation. Any quality foundation repair company will have extensive information about their products. There are a lot of cheap piers on the market that will fail relatively quickly. At Premiere Foundation Repair, we offer a couple choices of piers depending on what works best for the homeowner.

Pay Attention to the Details

It is important to pay close attention to your whole experience with each foundation repair company. Was the company polite on the phone when you called them to schedule an appointment? You can tell a lot about how a company treats it’s customers by their customer service on the phone. Was the technician that evaluated your house professional and knowledgeable? Does the company warranty their products? Be sure that the company is friendly and customer oriented. This means they will take care of your property and your needs.

Please contact us for a free estimate.

Signs of Foundation Problems

There are several warning signs that your home might need foundation repair. It is important to pay attention to your home and watch for anything unusual. We want to share some common warning signs. If you notice these around your house, give us a call. 

Cracks in the Foundation & Dry Wall

We get a lot of phone calls for cracks in the slab, cracks in the dry wall and ceilings, as well as cracks on the exterior walls of the home. Cracks typically mean that the foundation has settled in some areas causing part of the foundation to shift or sink. This unbalance causes the foundation to separate and crack, and as a result the walls will start to crack. Installing foundation piers will solve the problem.

Doors & Windows are Sticking

Another common foundation issue are doors and windows that begin to stick and become difficult to open and close. This is often a sign that the foundation has settled. The settlement has placed extra pressure on the door frame which makes it difficult to open and close. Most likely the home will need some foundation piers to level the foundation and fix the problem. 

As a home owner it is important to do some research on the different types of foundation piers that each foundation repair company uses. At Premier Foundation Repair, we offer a few different options of foundation piers. We like to give our home owners a couple of choices.

Free Home Estimates

If you see signs that your home may need foundation repairs, call us and we will come do a free home estimate. It is important to remember that proactive foundation repair is much less expensive than reactive. Often times home owners can save themselves a lot of money by fixing a foundation problem early rather than waiting to long for it to get worse. So call us today for a free home estimate.

Foundation Repairs Blog In DFW

Brick Separation Around Outdoor Walls.

Take a walk around the house and check; do you see any cracks in or between the bricks?  While sometimes these can be purely cosmetic, most of the time cracks are an indication of foundation settling and shifting under your walls.

A fireplace with a chimney on the outside wall is a good place to start looking.  Another place to look for separation is around your slab perimeter and around the windows or doors frames.  We are including some examples of issues we have fixed in the past.  Let us know if we can help with any evaluation of your current situation.

Foundation problems

Remember, there is no commitment for our expert opinion so you can make an informed decision.  Don’t panic, we have fixed them all over the last 30 years and we can help you as well.

We have uploaded the pictures to Pinterest as well: http://www.pinterest.com/foundationsDFW/cracks-showing-between-bricks/

And on our YouTube channel: http://youtu.be/prsX13vzVsE

Is Fracking Causing Foundation Damage?

Fracking maybe cause for foundation issues

Fracking or Not Fracking? Is your home foundation in danger due to this technique used to extract underground gas?

The science is divided on the issue. Like on most other issues, from global warning to bigfoot, you will always find one scientist on one side and another scientist of the other of the issue.

As you would expect, the businesses doing the fracking are adamant that there is no proof that fracking is causing any increases in local earthquakes or much less an increase of foundation problems for residents leaving near the fracking sites.

[youtube id="rhy4wnW3g5o" width="600" height="350"]

However, the homeowners leaving with the sudden increase in slab and sheet rock cracking, have associated the foundation damage with the beginning of the fracking activity in the areas near them.

Fracking is short for “hydraulic fracturing” and as the name implies, liquids are used to fraction masses of land and rocks in the soil to release and capture natural gas. Now, without getting too technical, some geologists swear that the fracking is happening to deep in the soil for anyone to notice, while others are saying that the increase in ground shifting is directly related to such activity. It would not take a long leap to see how that could be true.

[youtube id="6JvpYqQ0tCA" width="600" height="350"]

In the meantime, the city of Denton could make news by becoming the FIRST town in Texas to ban fracking all together. Denton sits right on top of the Barnett Shale, believed to be one of the largest natural gas reserves in U.S. If the ban takes place, the currently operating 275 wells would continue to operate but no new ones or re-activation of old ones would be allowed.

Some opponents are hopeful that the ban will stop the drilling, in same cases, as close as 200 feet to new residential constructions.

Have you experienced any issues with fracking and foundation repairs? Do you live near a fracking site and suspect your home foundations maybe experiencing stress related to the fracking activities?

Let us know your thoughts.

Premier Foundation Repair

Some of the sources used for this post:

http://ooga.org/our-industry/hydraulic-fracturing/

http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/20131205-editorial-resolve-the-fracking-earthquake-debate.ece

http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southcentral/2014/05/09/328747.htm

Sidewalks and Foundation Repair

Can your sidewalks give you a hint?

Expansive soil is #1 foundation repairs causes in Texas. Sidewalk heaving is very often an indicator of the ground near your house shifting, swelling and shrinking. In some cases large trees and their root system can also lift and destroy sidewalks and foundations but the signs of roots protruding thru the concrete are evident. If you think a root system is causing the lifting, have a landscape expert look at your situation.

Sidewalks and Foundation Problems

Watering, ground sloping and possible leaks in irrigation system only make things worse. If you need help figuring out the condition of your foundation, give us a call.

Premier Foundation Repair Inc.

Foundation Failures.

Major Foundation Failures

Over the centuries, mankind has seen some pretty shocking foundation failures, from the Tower of Pisa the the recent Ocean Tower resort in South Padre Island. While the root causes may differ, in Dallas, the expansive clay is by far the main reason for a residence’s foundation to settle and crack.  As the developers of the major project of the Ocean Tower, the condition of the soil can not be underestimated. After it was all over, the developers sued everyone in sight involved in the project. Here is the crooks of the matter quoted from the lawsuit documents:

The facts are that the soil upon which the building was placed contains a substratum of expandable clay at the 120 to 190 foot level. This clay is also known as compressable clay and, as a result of Raba's miscalculation of the piers necessary to support the building (Raba authorized 95 foot piers, after testing only down 100 feet) the building weight was focused on the clay stratum, which compressed, and allowed the building to settle. The settlement was uneven (differential settling) which stressed the beams and columns designed by Datum, and resulted in cracking, spalling and breaking of the beams and columns.

This is how this luxury project was pitched in the beginning:

Ocean Tower Foundation

Before the building was even completed, it started to lean, just like the Tower of Pisa, due to a 14” uneven foundation settling.

Premier Foundation Repairs

In the end, the the project could not be saved, or maybe it wasn’t worth saving after such bad publicity. Regardless, CDI was brought in to  bring it down in a spectacular implosion.

[embed width="500" height="400"]http://youtu.be/QO2q4LErGN4?t=30s[/embed].

Premier Foundation Repair Inc has seen thousands of foundation failures in Dallas over the last 30 years. We can help you like we have helped many others in DFW.

Sources:

http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/article_9190e0e4-f032-563e-9a44-51bce0505dc4.html

http://www.controlled-demolition.com/article/faulty-tower%E2%80%99s-implosion-will-set-new-height-record

Prevent Foundation Repairs This Spring

Prevent Foundation Repairs This Spring. -

Do yo know where your water is going? With spring just around the corner, Dallas will start getting, hopefully, some intense storms and water downpours. While the water is much needed in the region, too much water not flowing correctly away from the residence can spell bad new for any homeowner.

Before the storms hit, it is a good idea to inspect and clean the gutters and downspouts.  During the fall and winter, leaves and debris can reduce or completely stop the flow of thousands of gallons of water during the raining season.

foundation repair standing water

People usually underestimate the amount of water displaced by a roof. Just 1 inch of rain over a 2,000 square feet home will divert over 1,200 gallons of water. That 1200 gallons of water should removed from around residence correctly by evacuating it far enough not to cause foundation problems. That is were the gutters and downspouts come into play.

Homeowners should make sure the gutters are not clogged or leaking. Once the water reaches the downspouts, the water should be released at least 4 feet away from the residence. Extension pieces (downspouts extenders) should be used to make sure the water is discharged far away.

The slope of the yard surround the foundation is also important as the homeowners should make sure the water does not flow back towards the house or puddles and becomes stagnant too close to the residence’s foundation.

The principal cause of foundation problems and associated repairs in Dallas, is a fluctuation of the moisture content in the ground. Making sure water does not stand next to the foundation is key to maintaining the moisture level as even as possible and preventing foundation problems.

Premier Foundation Repair Inc. (premierfoundationrepair.com) has been helping homeowners for over 30 years in Dallas and can help you with any of your foundation repairs needs.

Planting Trees and Foundation Damage

Planting Trees and Foundation Damage.

Thinking of planting a tree this spring? Would you like to keep it from cracking your residence foundations? Follow these tips...

Most people think the principal reason a tree can damage foundations is related to the root system pushing and mechanically damage the foundation’s slab. While that can happen, and we have witnessed it in the Dallas area, a much more frequent issue is brought by how the tree affects the moisture content of the ground.

It is well documented and explained how the expansive soil of the Dallas region (and a good chunk of Texas) are the root cause of most of the foundation problems in the area... forgive the pun.

Expansive soils shrink and expand greatly depending on the moisture content in the ground. This is were a large tree can have a tremendous effect on the ground’s moisture content. Some trees will use and suck up up to 200 gallons of water each day!

Since nobody can deny the beauty of mature trees around the house, surely there must be a way to compromise and have trees without destroying your foundations...

Plant the tree away enough from the house. How far? At east, twice the projected height of the fully grown tree and even further if possible. Tree roots can grow between 2-3 times the edge (drip line) of the tree branches, so you can see how easy it is to have a pretty heavy root system under the house foundation.

In addition to foundation damage, a dense root system can also damage the plumbing around the house and cause leaks and blockages. If the roots cause a slow leak, the leak itself, if near or under the slab, will cause the foundation slab to heave.

Also, consider installing a root barrier system between the tree and the house. This will greatly help prevent the roots from getting to close or under the slab. We have a blog page about root barriers.

If you need more help contact us at premierfoundationrepair.com

Dallas Foundation Repairs For Over 30 years

Dallas Foundation Repairs For Over 30 years

Premier Foundation Repair New Website In Dallas

Premier Foundation Repair In Dallas New Website

After being on the web for over a decade and fixing foundations in Dallas and Ft Worth for over 30 years, we have just updated our website! We are very excited about the new look and ease of use. Please let us know if you would like to see any new features added. Thank you, PremierFoundationRepair.com

Expansive Soil

Expansive Soils

This great and very informative presentation covers many aspect of our soil in North Texas and all around DFW. This presentation was created by Dr. J David Rogers At Missouri University of Science and Technology. It is shown here with Dr. Rogers consent.

We are sure any homeowner will find all this information very compelling and eye opening in understanding the issue of foundation repairs. We believe an educated consumer will always be a better consumer. Thank you Dr. Rogers from all of us at http://www.premierfoundationrepair.com

Check foundation before even stepping in the house

Foundation Repairs and Inspection - New homeowners can check on the foundation before even getting in the house.

1 - Before even getting into the house, check for large trees or shrub growing close to the house and ask the homeowner if there are any root barriers installed between the house and the vegetation.

2 - Future homeowners should look at the ground and see if there are large cracks in the dirt or if the slope of the yard would allow for water to puddle around the foundation of the house. Ask if french drains are needed or installed.

3 - While doing the perimeter walk, check the brick walls, particularly around the fireplace and chimney structures. Look for separation and cracks in the bricks.

4 - While walking around, inspectors should look at the condition of the slab and also the driveway and walking paths around the house for signs of buckling and shifting.

5 - Getting in the house the inspection starts at the front door by making sure it opens freely without sticking. Continuing in the house, future homeowners should look around the frame of the doors and windows to look for cracks. Also, inspect any tiled floor since tiles will split and show any foundation shifting.

If you need any help or questions, get in contact with us:

Premier Foundation Repair Inc. Premierfoundationrepair.com

3767 Forest Ln, Dallas, TX 75244

(972) 417-0823 (800) 705-7370 ‎

Dallas-area housing market hits an all-time high in first half of 2013 - Dallas Morning News

See on Scoop.it - dallas home news

Dallas Morning News Dallas-area housing market hits an all-time high in first half of 2013 Dallas Morning News At midyear, some neighborhoods including Far North Dallas, Coppell, Richardson and Grapevine had less than a 11/2-month supply of homes...

Premier Foundation Repair Dallas's insight:

Should you buy a house now? Maybe.... http://www.premierfoundationrepair.com/foundation/should-you-buy-a-house-with-foundation-repairs/

See on www.dallasnews.com

Great job showing soaker hoses benefits

This is a nice .pdf with good visuals on why your garden will benefit from soaker hoses...and so will your residence's foundation.  

http://www.savingwater.org/docs/successwithsoakerhoses.pdf

Happy Father's Day with long lasting gift ideas.

Need a father’s day gift that he surely will appreciate?

How many times can you buy ‘best dad ever’ mugs and t-shirts, really? This year, give him a gift that will save money and free up his time to spend with his loved ones. Here are a few great ideas:

1. Install soaker hoses around the foundation of the family residence. Have a game plan by tracing where the hoses should go before you start digging. Always start the project before the day gets hot and take frequent breaks to hydrate. If you need help with how-to make this project happen, visit our blog article on how to prevent foundation repairs with the proper use of soaker hoses here.
2. Install root barriers in the garden between the large trees and the residence foundation. Large trees can have massive root systems that can damage the foundation of your house by absorbing all the moisture out of the ground.
3. Clean out the gutters and down spouts. Have someone else in the family with you since you will be up on a latter most of the time. Afterwards, install gutter guards to help with the maintenance in the future.
4. Check and adjust the sprinkler’s head and make sure the ground around the house is getting the right amount of water and there are no wasteful leaks and broken heads. Dallas is already in a perennial drought and we need to help conserve as much water as possible.
5. Least but not last, clean out that garage! You know he see it every day when he comes home from work.

Those gifts idea are fairly inexpensive. The biggest investment will be your time and sweat. They will save your family money and free up Dad’s time to go out to dinner with the family or fire up the charcoal for some outdoor cooking. Furthermore, these are gifts that keep-on-giving long after Father’s Day is over and will surely put a smile on your proudest, greatest Dad on earth.

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Premier Foundation Repair Inc.

3767 Forest Ln, Dallas, TX 75244(972) 417-0823 (800) 705-7370 ‎

French Drains and Foundation Repairs

Water standing around your foundation can cause foundation repairs.

Do a quick check around your house after these spring showers we have had in Dallas. If you see water standing around your foundation, you may need to install a French drain. A French drain is a drainage system that allows water to filter down through several inches of gravel, into a pipe and flow away from your property. Building a French drain will make you remember of muscles you forgot you had, but is well worth your pain and suffering.

Step#1 -Find out where your water stands for long periods of time. This is easier to do and much more evident after a long storm has passed. Look for soggy, swampy lawns and decide which way is best to drain the water out of your yard. Aim for the natural low point going out of your yard and mark the path with spray paint.

Step#2 - Before you start digging, always check with your municipality and call 1-800-DIG-TESS to make sure you are safe and not digging into gas lines, power lines and so forth.

Step#3 - Put a stake at the beginning point of your French drain line and another one at the end. Tie a string on both stakes and hang a line level on it (make sure the string is tight) to make sure you are sloping in the right direction.

Step#4 -The slight downward slope should be 1 inch for every 100 feet. Mark your second stake by lowering the string and mark the spot.

Step#5 - Start digging a trench between the two stakes following the path you marked earlier. Reserve the dirt and turf for later use. Dig a trench 6 inches wide and 2 feet deep. As you dig, periodically measure from the string to the bottom of the trench. To ensure a proper slope, there must be a constant 2 feet.

Step#6 - Shovel 2-3 inches of gravel into the bottom of the trench. The drain pipe needs to be laid on top of the gravel. Re-check the slope and make sure you don’t have any high spots in the line that will prevent draining. Cover the pipe with landscaping fabric to prevent the pipe for clogging.

Step 7 - Cover the fabric with more gravel all the way up to two inches from the surface of the yard. Shovel the saved dirt and turf over the gravel to fill up the trench.  Flatten the new dirt over the trench with a hand tamper.

Foundation Problems Scaring Buyers Away?

Selling a home with foundation problems

As if it wasn't hard enough to sell your home, foundation problems can have a chilling effect on a possible hot buyer.

"If the house goes on the market, signs of foundation problems are most likely a deal breaker." says Julie, owner of Premier Foundation Repair. "Calls from homeowners who have lost a possible buyer due to evidence of foundation problems are not uncommon...in fact, we get calls like that every day"

Foundations repairs can range from $4,000 to $40,000 depending of the severity of the damage. One thing is for sure, delaying and postponing the repairs is not going to make repairs cheaper or easier. Premier Foundation Repair has partnered with great financial institutions to help homeowners with financing for the repairs.

http://www.premierfoundationrepair.com/financing.html

Homeowners can sometime do a quick inspection and notice foundation problems relatively easily. Some foundation problems are:

1. Sticking doors,
2. Cracked tiles
3. Cracked sheetrock around the windows
4. Cracks in the bricks around the perimeter of the house

Premier Foundation Repair has a few typical photos showing the common signs of foundation problems here

http://www.premierfoundationrepair.com/foundation-repairs-Dallas-problems.html

Getting the foundation repairs done will help the selling of the house go through smoother, particularly when the foundation repairs are backed by a transferable warranty issued by a long standing, reputable company.

If you need help with a professional opinion, call Premier Foundation Repair and get the ball rolling...it's just something that can not be ignored. Sometimes things are not as bad as you think and the repairs can be done quickly and not for as much as the homeowner may think.