Owning a home means expecting to replace certain parts over time maybe new windows or a roof. But a brand-new foundation? That’s not something most homeowners think about. After all, the foundation holds everything together!
You might like: What’s causing the white powdery stuff on my basement walls?
If only the best investments lasted forever wouldn’t that be great? But that’s not reality. Just like other essential parts of your home, your foundation ages and wears down over time.
With 37 years of experience in Texas, R. L. NELSON Foundation Repair Specialist has handled everything from rebuilding old foundations to reinforcing existing ones. We’ve seen it all repairs, removals, and full replacements.
If your foundation needs repair or replacement, it should be a top priority, no matter how long you’ve owned your home. This post will walk you through the process of installing a new foundation under an existing house, the warning signs that signal it’s time for a replacement, and key factors that affect cost, time, and the repair process. Keep reading to learn what to expect when hiring foundation repair experts!
Why a Strong Foundation Matters for Your Home
Your home’s foundation isn’t just another part of the structure it’s what keeps everything stable and secure. It supports the entire weight of your house and transfers it to the ground, preventing shifting and structural issues.
Most foundations are made of concrete, designed for strength and durability. But over time, they can weaken due to factors like soil movement, water damage, or natural wear and tear. In some cases, repairs won’t be enough, and a full foundation replacement becomes necessary.
Yes, replacing a foundation is a big job, but it’s essential for protecting your home’s safety, value, and longevity. If your foundation is showing signs of trouble, addressing the issue now can save you from bigger, costlier problems down the road.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Foundation
Your foundation is the backbone of your home, and when it starts to fail, the warning signs aren’t always subtle. Here are some key indicators that it may be time for a full foundation replacement:
- Large or multiple cracks – Small hairline cracks are normal, but if you see wide, deep cracks (especially larger than 5mm), it could signal serious structural issues.
- Uneven floors or walls – If your floors are sloping or your walls are bowing, your foundation may be shifting or settling unevenly.
- Doors and windows sticking – Struggling to open or close doors and windows? This often happens when a foundation shifts, throwing the frame alignment off.
- Water damage or mold growth – If you notice moisture seeping through cracks, pooling water, or mold forming on walls and floors, your foundation may be compromised.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to consult a foundation specialist to assess the damage and determine if a replacement is necessary.
How to Replace Your Home’s Foundation
Replacing a foundation is a big job, but with the right team and proper planning, it can be done efficiently and safely. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
1. Hire a Foundation Specialist
The success of your foundation replacement depends on skilled professionals. A foundation expert will inspect your home, assess the extent of the damage, and determine the best course of action often a full replacement.
2. Obtain Permits & Prepare the Site
Once a replacement is necessary, you’ll need to secure the required permits from your local government. After that, the site must be properly prepared:
- Clear the area – Remove trees, shrubs, or nearby structures that could obstruct the process.
- Locate and disconnect utilities – Identify and safely disconnect water, gas, and electrical lines around the foundation.
- Set up safety measures – Install fencing and warning signs to mark the work area and ensure a secure site.
Once everything is ready, contractors will excavate around the foundation and use hydraulic jacks or temporary supports to lift and stabilize the house.
3. Build & Install the New Foundation
Constructing a new foundation is a critical step in ensuring the strength and stability of your home. The process includes:
- Pouring the footings – The footing is the first section of the foundation and helps evenly distribute the weight of the house.
- Building foundation wall forms – Contractors create the mold for the new foundation walls.
- Adding reinforcement – Steel reinforcements are installed to provide extra strength and durability.
- Installing plumbing and electrical conduits – Any necessary pipes or wiring are placed before the concrete is poured.
- Pouring the concrete – Once everything is in place, the concrete is poured into the forms, creating a solid foundation that will support your home for decades.
4. Final Adjustments & Lowering the House
After the foundation is fully set and inspected:
- The house is carefully lowered onto the new foundation.
- Final reinforcements and adjustments are made to ensure a secure fit.
- Contractors seal any gaps, inspect for stability, and make any necessary finishing touches.
Once complete, your home will be sitting on a brand-new, strong, and durable foundation ensuring safety and stability for years to come.
If you’re dealing with foundation issues, don’t wait! Contact a R. L. NELSON Foundation specialist today to get started on securing your home’s future.
Additional Factors to Consider
The price and duration for replacing a foundation can differ depending on a number of significant factors:
- Size and complexity of the structure – More labor, material, and time are required for larger houses or more complex structures.
- Type of foundation – Different foundations (slab, crawl space, basement) require different materials and replacement processes.
- Site accessibility –The project might take longer to be completed and will be more resource-intensive if your house is in a distant or inaccessible area.
- Soil conditions – Adverse or unstable weather conditions may render excavation problematic and expensive.
- Unexpected issues – Unplanned problems or unexpected structural deficiencies may extend the project duration and raise costs.
In order to prevent any surprises, let your foundation specialist know these factors and have them included in the project estimate.
Consider Temporary Housing
Foundation replacement is a substantial building project with the associated disruptions of vibration, dust, and noise. If the disruptions will be affecting your daily routine or posing safety risks, you might prefer to arrange for temporary accommodation until the work is complete.
Get Multiple Quotes Before You Hire
Replacing a foundation can be an expensive investment, so budgeting and planning are a must. Before choosing a foundation contractor, get several quotes from different companies. By comparing quotes, you can be certain of getting a good price as well as a realistic completion date for the project.
Taking these steps will help you make informed decisions and ensure a smooth foundation replacement process.
Building a Stronger Foundation for Your Home
1. Replacing a Raised Foundation
For homes with raised foundations, we replace the footings about 90% of the time.
The very first thing is to shore up the house, which is to prop it up temporarily while the work is being done underneath. This is done by placing pillars and pads outside, as well as pier beams, in order to safely support the structure. You don’t necessarily wish to be the Wicked Witch of the East having a house fall on you, after all! After all, you don’t want to feel like the Wicked Witch of the East with a house falling on you!
Once the home is securely supported, the crew begins excavating the old footing. At this stage, we either build a new cripple wall or prepare the footing for rebar installation.
If the entire house remains stable, we can pour the concrete in sections or all at once. In rare cases, the home can be lifted over its original location, allowing for a completely new footing though we usually avoid this approach, as it could cause additional structural damage.
2. Replacing a Slab Foundation
This process is less common than replacing a raised foundation. Typically, we create a sister footing, meaning the new footing is placed directly beneath the old one.
This requires excavation and the use of sacrificial jack similar to car jacks to support the slab from below. While the rest of the foundation remains in place, we remove and replace the footing section by section.
After the rebar is installed and the footing is reinforced with compacted earth, concrete is poured, completing the foundation repair.
How Long Does Foundation Replacement Take?
A full foundation replacement typically takes at least four weeks. If there’s enough space to bring in large equipment like an excavator, the process moves faster. However, if digging has to be done by hand, expect the project to take longer.
How Much Does Foundation Replacement Cost?
The replacement cost of the foundation of a typical house can range anywhere from $75,000 to $100,000. Our lowest charge is $600 for every linear foot, so the cost will depend on the size of your house.
You suspect foundation problems, don’t wait! Get your house inspected by a professional today to prevent future expensive repairs.
Foundation Replacement for Historic Homes
Older homes especially those in historic districts are more likely to need a new foundation. However, not all old homes are at risk! Some houses built in the 1940s still have strong, intact footings.
Foundation replacement is only necessary when the existing structure is severely damaged or compromised. In many cases, new support pillars can be added beneath the existing foundation to reinforce it, without needing a full replacement.
Protect Your Home’s Future
Now that you understand:
✔ Why a strong foundation matters
✔ How to spot signs of foundation failure
✔ How a new foundation is installed beneath an existing home
✔ How long the process takes
✔ The cost of foundation replacement
You can take steps to protect your home before serious foundation damage occurs. If you suspect foundation issues, don’t wait! Contact a specialist today to assess your home and prevent costly repairs down the road.
R.L. Nelson Foundation Repair: Your Foundation Experts of Choice
Do you require a check-up, concrete work, or full replacement of your foundation? R.L. Nelson Foundation Repair can help. Our experts will examine your foundation, advise you with professional recommendations, and execute long-lasting, dependable solutions.
📞 Contact us today for a free quote or to learn more about how we can help keep your home safe and stable for years to come!
