Understanding the Imperfections and Unknowns in Foundation Repair Projects Down in Arizona

Construction experts, encompassing designers, engineers, and constructors, all recognize that the construction process is inherently imperfect. Despite meticulous planning, there are variables that remain unknown until the project is underway, leading to necessary adjustments known as "Change Orders" in the construction industry.

In large commercial projects, when issues arise, designers are promptly notified, and they subsequently issue new designs for implementation by the constructors. However, incorporating these new designs may come at an expense, resulting in a price increase for the change order.

Foundation repair projects, especially in residential settings, also encounter numerous unknowns, and the process can be challenging. In some cases, the repair decisions are left to the installers without any engineering oversight. While many installers may have good judgment and instincts, they may lack a fundamental understanding of soil mechanics and structural load paths, occasionally leading to suboptimal choices.

The uncertainties in foundation repair projects can arise from various factors. Soil information is not always perfectly known, and while this may not be critical most of the time, on occasion, it can become a significant unknown factor. For instance, soft soil at a deeper depth may alter the required depth of the piles, or ++the presence of shallow cobbles may necessitate adaptations like predrilling. Other common challenges include determining the depth and size of footings during installation.

Less frequent unknowns may include unallocated subsurface plumbing or electrical lines, misaligned AC units affecting pile locations, hidden structural loads, or load paths that don't align as expected. Crawlspace bracing can be poorly understood, and trusses may have additional interior bearing points, which may not be obvious without the original plans.

As installers are granted a certain level of flexibility. However, other changes necessitate the input of the designing engineer, just as engineers are required for the initial design or alternates. The absence of a collaborative design-build team can sometimes lead to conflicts between contractors and designers, causing delays and confusion on the job site.

In the commercial construction realm, safeguards like as-built documentation and third-party engineer inspections ensure that the final installation aligns with the intended design. However, such practices have not been common in the residential foundation repair sector until the introduction of Arizona Foundation Solutions' project processes.

Arizona Foundation Solutions has integrated a comprehensive approach to address changes in foundation repair projects. By adopting a design/build model where installers and designers work within the same company, the process is expedited, reducing hesitation and productivity concerns.

Upon completing a project, all changes and relevant data are shared with the designing engineer, along with a sealed report from the third-party special inspecting engineer, pictures, logs, and other essential information. The designing engineer reviews the data, certifies that the project aligns with their intent, and seals the certification, which is then provided to the homeowner. This process ensures that homeowners receive the assurance that their project was built according to the designer's recommendations.

Historically, homeowners lacked such assurances and essential data about their foundation repairs. This information is crucial for evaluating future performance, allowing homeowners to make informed decisions about the long-term stability of their homes. Arizona Foundation Solutions' commitment to transparency and collaboration with third party licensed professional engineers sets a new standard, providing homeowners with the confidence that their foundation repair projects are in capable hands.