Tag: building contractors

Foundation Repair
Contractor Services

Foundation Repair – What You Need to Know

Dwayne Casper

Foundation Repair Greensboro NC involves installing supports under your home to lift sunken areas. The supports can be piers (also known as pilings) or concrete piles.Foundation Repair

This is a major project and can take several weeks depending on the method used. It may also be disruptive to the home. This is why choosing the right contractor is crucial for the success of the repairs.

When homeowners notice cracks in their foundation, they usually react in one of two ways. They either panic that their house is about to fall apart or they shrug them off as a normal sign of settling. Both reactions are incorrect; if the cracks are wider than hairline and are expanding, it’s time to contact a professional for a thorough assessment and possible repairs.

Widening cracks in the foundation indicate that water or soil is exerting pressure on concrete walls. This can happen due to changing weather conditions or if the house was built on expansive soil that expands when it gets wet and contracts when it dries. These forces can put stress on concrete, creating hairline cracks that are likely to grow into more significant issues over time if they’re not addressed.

Other causes of foundation cracking can include soil erosion, excavation work too close to the home, and changes in the moisture content of soil around the house. Heavy rains, melting snow, and irrigation systems are also common causes of foundation damage because they can lead to puddles or pools of water under the house. These puddles can cause the foundation to sink and create voids that eventually lead to structural problems like sagging support beams.

If the cracks are narrower than hairline, a waterproof masonry sealant can be used to fill them. To make this type of repair, remove the dirt from the crack and the area around it, clean the concrete, and then use a caulking gun to apply the sealant directly into the crack. If the crack is too large to apply a sealant, injection ports can be drilled into the sides of the foundation and filled with epoxy or urethane. This allows the crack to be filled precisely and with a more durable material than caulking.

Leaky Pipes

Many people don’t realise that the pipes within their foundations are one of the most important structural elements of their homes. That’s why it’s essential to ensure they are well-maintained and regularly checked for damage, especially if you’ve had recent foundation work carried out on your home. Leaking pipes can compromise the integrity of a foundation and significantly increase the amount of water that enters a building.

Typically, pipe leaks in foundations occur in the water lines that run in and out of the home to connect to the main water and sewer systems. These pipes are buried underneath the concrete slab of a foundation and can get pinhole leaks, cracks or corrode over time. Since they’re the primary water lines into and out of the home, they need to be in good condition to prevent serious damage. If a leak occurs in these pipes, they can saturate the soil around the foundation and cause it to shift.

This is particularly true for expansive soils like clay that swell when they’re saturated with water. Over time, the shifted soil can put pressure on the foundation and cause it to crack.

Another cause of foundation leaks is abrasion. Copper pipe tends to wear thin over time and spring a leak as it rubs against the concrete or rock in the soil. If the abrasion isn’t remedied quickly, it can lead to a severe leak in the foundation.

If you have a leaking foundation, it’s vital to contact a professional plumber as soon as possible. They’ll need to locate the source of the leak and then break through the concrete to remove it and replace it with new piping. The sooner you can catch a foundation leak, the less expensive it’ll be to repair the damage caused.

Water Infiltration

Water infiltration is the underlying cause of many residential foundation issues. It can result in mold growth, deterioration of organic construction materials, structural gaps and cracks, and other significant damage both above and below ground. When unchecked, it can also lead to soil erosion and shifts that can damage foundations. It can even eat through concrete, leaving a hollow core and compromising the integrity of the home’s structure. Several factors can influence how fast water infiltrates the foundation, including drainage, soil slope, and hydrostatic pressure.

Effective solutions like basement waterproofing can help to mitigate water intrusion issues. The key is addressing issues early on, before they get out of hand. Regular inspections can catch problems and allow for early intervention, saving time and money.

For example, minor cracks can be filled with epoxy injections to prevent water seepage. Additionally, grading the property so that it slopes away from the foundation can help to keep surface waters from pooling near the foundation and ejecting hydrostatic pressure. French drain systems and sump pumps are additional effective solutions for areas prone to flooding.

Some repair methods can be DIY, but complex issues should always be addressed by professionals. Professionals have the equipment and knowledge to ensure that the problem is resolved, and often offer warranties or guarantees on their work. These are important peace of mind for homeowners and can give them confidence that the repairs will last.

Uneven Floors

While sagging floors might seem like a quirk or part of an old house’s character, they are often symptomatic of larger structural issues. Uneven floor areas can result from foundation settlement, water damage in crawl spaces, and more. Ignoring these signs of structural damage will only cause the problems to get worse.

Foundation settlement occurs when the soil under certain parts of the foundation shifts and sinks lower than other parts of the foundation. This uneven settling affects the floors above it, causing them to become uneven as well.

Other causes of uneven floors include excessive moisture, which can warp and weaken materials including wood beams and sub-flooring. Excessive moisture may come from a leaky pipe hidden within walls or from groundwater pooling around and beneath the foundation. In some regions, clay-rich soils can also erode over time, which can affect the foundation and the materials underneath it.

Moisture damage is especially dangerous for wood-framed structures like foundations and floor joists, which can rot or weaken over time if they are exposed to excess moisture. Moisture can also damage the foundation itself by causing it to sink or crack.

Fortunately, if your home’s floor joists and beams are sagging due to excess moisture or foundation damage, there are several effective solutions. A professional will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the most effective repair method. For example, if the foundation has settled unevenly due to soil problems, push and helical piers can be installed to connect the foundation to stable strata or bedrock and lift it back to its original position, leveling the floors in the process. If your floor joists are sagging because they lack adequate support, crawl space jacks can be used to lift and stabilize them.

Sticking Doors

Sticking doors are a common issue caused by shifting foundations. When a foundation sinks into incompetent soil, it exerts pressure on the entire structure and shifts everything attached to it. The door frames in these structures are particularly prone to settling, which can cause them to warp and become stuck.

Fortunately, there are two common ways to fix these problems. One involves sanding and planing the frames to get them back into square. Another involves shimmying the frame, which helps to relevel crooked doorframes and allow them to open and close smoothly. However, neither of these solutions address the underlying problem that causes your doorframes to settle.

If you find that your doorframes are sticking due to a shifting foundation, it’s important to consult with an experienced professional. They’ll perform a full inspection to determine the root cause of your issue, which may require a different type of repair than simply adjusting the doors and window frames.

Another common reason for sticky doors is excessive humidity. This is particularly common in areas with high rainfall, but can also happen during the summer if a home is located on a swampy ground. If you suspect that this is the case, running a dehumidifier may help to resolve the issue.

The most serious cause of a sticking door is foundation settlement, which can affect both slab and crawl space foundations. As the foundation sinks into the soil, it exerts stress on the entire structure and shifts everything attached, including the door frames. If you’re experiencing this issue, a permanent solution is available through steel pier underpinning. This underground stilt system drives helical and push piers to competent, load-bearing soil, lifting the foundation to reclaim the doorframes and alleviating the stresses that were forcing them to shift.

General Contractor
General Contractor

What Does a General Contractor Do?

Erick Wahl

Nashville General Contractors are licensed professionals who oversee construction projects. They manage everything from remodeling residential homes to building skyscrapers. They take on a variety of tasks throughout each project and bring in subcontractors, like plumbers and carpenters, to complete specialized work.General Contractor

They are the linchpin that holds together all aspects of complex building endeavors. By effectively managing project schedules, budgets, and risks, they ensure that projects are completed on time and within scope.

A GC’s primary responsibility is to serve as the liaison between construction owners, designers, and specialty contractors (also known as subcontractors). As such, they take on significant liability for project delays or overruns, safety compliance on-site, and the quality of the finished product.

Having someone in charge who knows the entire project’s timeline, budget, and specifications can save you a lot of time and money. Oftentimes, a general contractor will use software like CoConstruct to streamline communication and track the progress of every step in a project. This eliminates any confusion and provides a centralized point of contact for any questions or concerns that may arise throughout the build.

Managing a construction project requires a high level of expertise, which is why you want to choose a GC with years of experience. They’ve honed their skills over many projects, which means they know how to keep the project on schedule and within budget. Their knowledge allows them to avoid costly mistakes and negotiate better prices for materials.

A good GC will also understand local building regulations and can guide you through the process of obtaining any necessary permits for your project. This is a crucial step because failing to follow the proper code can result in fines or legal complications.

Coordinating Specialty Contractor Timing

Large construction projects require a lot of coordination between multiple contractors, such as electricians and plumbers. A GC will hire and manage these subcontractors, making sure they complete their work on time and that it meets the client’s specifications.

In addition, a GC will manage the flow of construction materials to the job site and ensure they are delivered in the correct quantity. They will also check in with subcontractors to make sure the work is up to standards and that it follows local codes.

A reputable GC should have insurance and worker’s compensation to protect them in case of an accident or damage on-site. Additionally, they should have established relationships with a variety of subcontractors and be able to secure competitive pricing for their services. Finally, they should have streamlined processes for paying subcontractors, which will help them stay on schedule and get paid in a timely manner.

They Manage the Budget

One of the biggest challenges in construction is managing a project’s budget. GCs have the expertise to create a comprehensive budget and oversee expenses throughout the project, ensuring it stays within the limits set at the beginning. This involves analyzing costs for every aspect of the job, including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and overhead. By comparing forecasts and actuals, they can anticipate any potential budget risks early on.

A good GC will also take into account variables that could affect project costs, such as seasonal price fluctuations for materials or anticipated delays. They will make sure to include a contingency allowance in the initial budget and manage it carefully to avoid overspending. GCs also regularly provide clients with detailed budget reports, giving them an accurate picture of the current project status.

Cash flow is another major issue that can impact the entire project. If a project’s expenses exceed its income, it will cause budgetary surprises that may delay completion or lead to financial distress. GCs help minimize these issues by monitoring budgetary trends and implementing processes to streamline payments and invoicing.

Another way GCs manage the budget is by facilitating communication between architects, engineers, and subcontractors to reduce misunderstandings and miscommunications that can result in costly mistakes and delays. They also manage change orders by documenting and communicating any modifications to the original plan to prevent unexpected changes in the schedule or cost.

In addition to preventing budgetary surprises, GCs ensure that their subcontractors and other vendors are paid on time. This is crucial to keeping the project moving smoothly. They also facilitate the permit application process, and they ensure that workers follow all applicable codes and regulations.

GCs are also responsible for maintaining the quality of the work during construction by assessing each phase of the job. They hire and supervise teams of specialists, such as electricians and plumbers, to handle specific aspects of the project. They make sure the work meets the quality standards they have established. They also keep track of the overall progress of the construction project and coordinate each step of the process, minimizing any delays.

They Manage the Schedule

GCs have honed their skills over many years and numerous projects, giving them an in-depth understanding of the construction process. They can identify and resolve issues quickly, saving time and money. On the other hand, managing a project without construction experience can be overwhelming and result in mistakes that may cost more in the long run.

In addition to their own expertise, GCs have access to an established network of skilled and dependable subcontractors. This allows them to easily find and hire specialists for specific jobs or tasks, which saves both time and money. Additionally, GCs are familiar with local building codes and regulations and know how to navigate the complexities of obtaining permits. This is a huge benefit as it ensures the work is done properly and avoids legal complications down the road.

Time is money on any project and a well-executed schedule is essential for maintaining momentum and staying within budget. GCs are adept at developing detailed timelines for all aspects of the build, ensuring each task is completed in a timely manner. They also understand that unforeseen circumstances can cause delays and are skilled at problem-solving to minimize disruptions.

A GC is the single point of contact for all project stakeholders and facilitates communication among the architect, engineer, subcontractors, and project owner. This helps keep everyone on the same page, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts. GCs are also experienced in handling risk management and are able to identify potential obstacles early on, preventing them from impacting the project’s timeline or budget.

While a GC and CM are similar in some respects, a GC is more hands-on in the physical build process than a CM. GCs are involved in the planning and design stages, while a CM is more focused on the overall project management and control of the construction phase. The choice between a GC and a CM depends on the project requirements and level of control required by the client. A GC is ideal for turnkey projects that require a single point of accountability and a CM works best on collaborative, complex projects where flexibility in decision-making is paramount.

They Manage the Subcontractors

General Contractors work with trade contractors, also known as subcontractors, who specialize in specific construction projects like plumbing, electrical work, framing, and other structural components. They contract out portions of the project to these companies while retaining overall control over project operations.

GCs have to make sure that their subcontractors are qualified for the job at hand and will deliver quality results, all while staying within the project budget and schedule. To do this, they use pre-qualification tools to review a potential subcontractor’s financial strength, experience, and references before inviting them to submit a bid. Once they’re in the running, they need to negotiate a fair price for their services.

In addition, GCs need to ensure that all project requirements are aligned with industry standards and regulatory codes. They may use inspection apps like iAuditor to conduct regular checks of the site and ensure that all aspects of the building are up to code, while also providing a safe working environment for the construction team.

The role of a General Contractor is a highly complex one, with many moving parts and a high dependency on the performance of all parties. Understanding this role, and how to work with a GC, is critical for anyone who wants to be involved in the construction industry.