What Documents You Should Have Upon Completion of Your Foundation Repair
What Documents You Should Have Upon Completion of Your Foundation Repair
Risen Foundation Solutions is a House Leveling Company that proudly serves local San Antonio area homes with slab foundations. We like to keep our homeowners informed throughout the process of repairing their foundation. We understand this process can be overwhelming and we want to help you as best we can.
When your home requires foundation repair, it’s important to stay organized and keep track of key documents throughout the process. These documents not only ensure that the project is being conducted properly but can also provide essential records for any future home sales or inspections. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you need before, during, and after the foundation repair process.
1. Start with an Evaluation
Before embarking on any foundation repair project, it’s crucial to have an evaluation completed by a trusted foundation repair company or a structural engineer. This assessment will identify the specific issues and provide a roadmap for how to fix them. Keep the evaluation report as part of your documentation. Risen Foundation Solutions offers free slab foundation evaluations!
2. Ensure Proper Permits Are Pulled
Once you've chosen a foundation repair company, it’s essential to verify that the company is pulling the necessary permits. These permits are required by most municipalities to authorize foundation repair work. They serve as a legal agreement that the project will comply with local building codes.
3. Engineer Approval for Repair Plans
In many cities and counties, pulling a permit requires a structural engineer's stamp of approval on the foundation repair plan. This engineer’s review ensures that the proposed work meets structural safety standards. Make sure to retain the permit application and any documents signed by the engineer.
4. Engineer Certification for Installed Piers
As part of the repair process, foundation piers may be installed to stabilize the structure. Before the piers are buried and covered, a structural engineer should inspect and certify their proper installation. The certification should be documented, verifying that the piers meet safety and quality standards.
5. Conduct Hydrostatic Plumbing Tests
It's recommended to perform a hydrostatic plumbing test before the foundation repair begins and again once it's completed. This test checks the integrity of your drain or sewer line, especially since water leaks under a slab foundation can cause damage to any repairs made. If your plumbing fails the test, additional repairs may be necessary before proceeding with the foundation work. Keep the test results, including the "pass" documentation after completion.
Documents to Keep After the Project is Complete
- The Original Proposal & PAID Invoice
This document outlines the agreed-upon work, including the type of repairs, costs, and timeline. It acts as a reference for the scope of work that was performed. - The Permit
The repair company should provide you with a copy of the closed permit, indicating that the project was completed according to local regulations and is now finalized. - Certification of Installed Piers
This letter or certificate from a structural engineer specifies the number of piers installed and confirms their compliance with industry standards. - Completion Report by the Structural Engineer
Upon the project’s completion, a final report from the structural engineer certifying that all repairs were done correctly and are structurally sound is a must-have document. - Hydrostatic Plumbing Test Results
The final documentation of your plumbing test should state that your system passed the test, ensuring there are no leaks under your foundation that could compromise the repairs. - Warranty Certification
The Warranty certification should have a basic summary of what you are entitled to. The original agreement is what houses the details of the warranty and what it covers and excludes. Be sure you read and understand it thoroughly.
Ensuring that you have the proper documentation before, during, and after a foundation repair project is essential for both the structural integrity of your home and any future legal or resale considerations. By working with a reliable foundation repair company like Risen Foundation Solutions, you can feel confident that all necessary steps will be taken to protect your property and that you will have all the paperwork you need for peace of mind. When looking to level your house, evaluate your home for foundation repair, or want to learn more about our lifetime warranties, call your
local foundation repair team at Risen Foundation Solutions. Our Local San Antonio team is near you and ready to tackle your slab foundation project!
