Digging Deeper: The Rising Need for Comprehensive Foundation Assessments in Arizona

Arizona Foundation Crack Repair Near You: A Closer Look

In the realm of home ownership, the awareness of the importance of a meticulous foundation inspection is on the rise. Homeowners like Mary are beginning to recognize the benefits of a scientific, objective, and thorough assessment that adheres to industry standards. The demand for versatile oversight in foundation investigations is creating a shift in expectations within the industry.

Sinking Foundation Repair: An Arizona Case Study

Mary's experience sheds light on the challenges faced by homeowners seeking reliable foundation assessments. Upon noticing signs of foundation movement akin to her neighbor's, Mary sought a second opinion for her property. However, her encounter with a foundation repair contractor took an unexpected turn. The contractor proposed geotechnical borings for $4500, a move that raised eyebrows given the foundational issues at hand.

House Foundation Piers: Understanding Assessment Levels in AZ

To comprehend the disparity in approaches, it's crucial to delve into the three basic levels of a foundation assessment outlined by the Foundation Performance Association:

1. Visual Inspection: The initial step involves a visual examination, observing critical factors that could indicate foundation issues. This is the preliminary stage to determine if further investigation is warranted.

2. Manometer Survey and Analysis: Level 2 assessments delve deeper, utilizing tools such as manometer surveys, damage mapping, aerial photos, tilt, and deflection analysis. This level constitutes the core of most foundation assessments.

3. Comprehensive Investigation: Reserved for complex legal or insurance cases, Level 3 involves a full-scale investigation. This includes borings, petrographical analysis, a review of records and reports, and a detailed examination of various in-depth factors.

Foundation Work Near You: Navigating Assessment Techniques in AZ

While borings can be a valuable component of a foundation investigation, their significance is contextual. In the case of lightly loaded structures with high safety factors, the information gained from helical and push piles often suffices. Borings may play a role in situations where the data from a Level 2 investigation is contradictory, though such scenarios are infrequent, occurring roughly 0.5% of the time.

It is imperative for the industry to evolve toward conducting scientific, objective, and thorough investigations, aligning with industry standards and benefiting from experienced oversight. This shift will not only enhance professional competitiveness but also ensure homeowners like Mary receive the comprehensive assessments they deserve. Until then, a cautious approach is advised — understanding what one is paying for before committing to foundation repair services.