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Home >> Articles >> Who you gonna call?
 From The Best Times - November 2002By Don Carter, Structural Engineer In our first column, we noted that some home repair companies oversell their services. I have seen this happen many times with foundation companies who, through intent or ignorance, will promote much more repair than a home really needs. With over 75 foundation repair advertisements in the Yellow Pages (several with really impressive color ads) how does one make the right choice? • Recall that there are no perfect houses. Simple plaster flaws or an occasionally sticking door are no cause for panic. However, damage that includes a break in the wallboard, leaning or split basement walls, springy floors, doors that won’t open or recurring water leaks require attention and should be evaluated. If you are lucky enough to know someone who has professional training or experience in home construction, ask them to look at the damage. Even if they aren’t sufficiently schooled in codes and practices to evaluate your damage, they may be able to refer you to someone who is. • It should surprise no one to learn that I favor using a structural engineer for damage assessment. Licensed engineering companies are empowered by the state to evaluate and certify buildings for safe habitation. No other discipline has this authority. Engineers are also bound by a code of ethics to restrain side stream business deals that return money for referrals. In short, engineers who have nothing to sell but their expertise only recommend what is essential for the stability and safety of a house. Recently, a colleague of mine we’ll call Bill was asked to look at a home described by the caller as “severely damaged”. She referred to her house as a “disaster”. Bill used a laser beam level to define wall elevations and found that the back wall, center I-beam and side walls all measured within 1/2” of each other—well within accepted limits. When he measured the front wall though it varied over 2” in one corner and this condition was broadcasting damage symptoms throughout the entire house. When Bill left, the owner had a clear picture of where the problem was and equally important, where it wasn’t. She got a written repair plan that was focused and specific to her situation. Finally, she was given information on repair companies that Bill knew had a reputation for satisfying their customers and from which she could obtain bids specific to her needs. When all of the bids have been received, Bill will review them to make sure they address the exact problem and nothing more. • Do not have your primary damage assessment done by someone who also sells repairs. Ask before you set an appointment. It’s not unusual for an advertised “inspector” to have silent affiliations or financial interests in a repair company. • Ask for referrals, then call them. I know of a client who was given three referrals that were each long distance numbers. Presumably the contractor felt she wouldn’t call if it cost money. She did call and got negative feedback from two of the three. Check with the Better Business Bureau. • If you have internet access (available at the library), read company profiles before you call. Feist has web addresses in its book. • Do not pay up front fees. Agree to a payment schedule that starts with delivery of materials and has final payment only after work is satisfactorily completed. • Many Yellow Pages contractors were not in the book two years ago and some will not be there two years from now. Warranties are only as good as the company that stands behind them. Ask how long the contractor has been in business under the present name. The metropolitan area has some very competent and trustworthy foundation repair contractors. Finding and directing them is fairly easy when you do your homework. Evaluate first, then make your repair selection from a position of knowledge. The better informed you are, the more gratifying your results will be. Don Carter is a licensed structural engineer and managing general partner of Foundation Engineering Specialists LLC, a company specializing in residential design and assessments.  |
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