Do your research to find foundation-repair company
The greater Houston area has been impacted by drought conditions this summer, which can wreak havoc on a foundation. All homes settle and adjust with time, so it’s not uncommon for your foundation to develop minor cracks that don’t necessarily need repair.
At the same time, it is important to be proactive when it comes to foundation repair, as identifying potential problems early means less complicated and less expensive repairs.
Regardless of how expensive or attractive a home or building is, without a proper foundation, the structure is at risk. The most common signs of foundation issues that need attention include: cracks in the interior walls, “popped” nails in the plaster or Sheetrock, doors and windows that are hard to close, cracks in the brick fireplace wall, cracks in or between the exterior bricks, joints around the windows or doorframes pulling away from the caulking, leaks in the roof despite roofing material that is in good condition, and obvious sloping of floors.
These problems are more than unsightly cosmetic annoyances. Cracks in the interior walls reduce the value of your home. Cracks in exterior bricks allow moisture that can damage the sheathing, insulation and the interior walls. Spaces between walls and windows or doors that no longer fit well can result in higher heating and cooling costs.
The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas reminds consumers of the importance of choosing wisely when it comes to searching for a trustworthy foundation specialist and offers the following tips:
• Do your homework. Check with the BBB before choosing a contractor at BBBHouston.org. Get referrals, and compare several price quotes before making your final selection.
• Check with your insurance. Some homeowner’s insurance policies will cover foundation repair, so check with your insurance prior to signing a contract.
• Ask questions. Find out how long the company has been in business and what method of payment it accepts. How much experience does the company have in foundation repair? Will the company supply a scale drawing to show how the house will be leveled? Also, ask who will be performing the work — whether employees of the company or temporary labor.
• Beware of red flags. High-pressure sales tactics, full up-front payment or low estimates that may potentially balloon over time or foreshadow shoddy work to come are all red flags.
• Ask about warranties. Be sure you understand the warranty agreement before you sign the contract. In the foundation-repair industry, many contracts contain a clause indicating that conditions (such as structural deficiencies) might appear during foundation work that were not visible when the bid was submitted. In these cases, the desired results may not be obtained.
• After the extended-warranty period, a service agreement may be available to cover beyond the warranty period at an additional cost. Other companies may not transfer the warranty if you sell the house or may charge a fee for the transfer. No matter what, the conditions of the warranty or guarantee should be listed in the contract clearly.
• Review your contract. Be sure to read, understand, and agree with everything listed in your contract. Do not sign a contract that has blanks or if you don’t agree with something. Make sure the work is being performed according to the bid proposal. □□□
Gulf Coast: Be prepared for severe weather
Hurricane season is ongoing, and storm hazards come in many forms, including a storm surge, heavy rainfall, inland flooding, high winds, tornadoes, and rip currents. The BBB urges Gulf Coast residents to prepare for the unexpected and devise their own emergency preparedness plans. It’s important to assess and prepare for their local disaster risks and unplanned events.
There are two things every family should do to prepare for any kind of disaster:
1. Make a plan. Discuss with family and friends how you’ll contact each other, where you’ll meet if you can’t go home and what you’ll do in specific situations like a tornado or fire.
2. Prepare an emergency kit .If disaster strikes your community, you might not have access to food, water or electricity. A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
• Water, one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps, including the location of area shelters
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charge
Families may also want to consider including such items as prescription medications, diapers, pet food and cash. Remember to check your supplies every few months and replace expired items. The BBB also recommends homeowners keep the following items in mind when preparing:
Catalogue your valuables. Take pictures of your valuables and place them in a safe. This can help the insurance company assess the dollar amount for your losses.
Protect important documents. Place copies of important family documents such as birth certificates, passports, insurance policies and photos in a waterproof, portable container near your escape route.
Start with trust. Whether you are shopping for insurance before a disaster strikes or looking for a company to clean damaged areas, remove debris, or help rebuild, check the company’s information at BBBHouston.org. Obtain bids from several companies, and insist contractors provide written estimates on company letterhead. Review the bids carefully and remember, the lowest bid is not always the best price. Do not fall prey to high-pressure tactics. Never pay the full amount up front, never pay in cash and never sign a contract without first reading and understanding it.
Know where to turn. Federal Emergency Management Agency (www.fema.gov) and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (www.tdem.texas.gov) have many resources available to help families prepare for what to do before, during and after disasters happen.
Visit www.bbbhouston.org or call 713868-9500. Leah Napoliello is BBB VP of operations. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org with address and phone number.