If you are considering a home renovation in Ottawa in the near future, you might want to start by looking at the foundation of your home. The structural integrity of any building begins at the base. If you have problems there, they will only increase, and any remodelling you do may need to be redone.
Repairing an existing foundation generally means lifting the house up. If done improperly, you could be incurring significant damage to the exterior, sheetrock, pipes, and other issues. Taking care of small problems before they increase is one way to avoid more expenses and difficulties.
Some things to look for are:
- Cracks
- Bulges
- Water infiltration
- Sloping floors
- Walls out of alignment
It will depend on the nature of the necessary foundation work, but if the house is lifted, many things can shift, even with the workers using the utmost caution. This can include drywall, countertops, floors, even the roof. Plumbing is one of the critical elements. If you have had foundation work done, you should plan on a hydrostatic plumbing test to determine if there is any damage to the pipes or sewer system.
Let’s get back to the original idea of renovating some or all of your house.
Goals.
You need to decide if this is because you will be living in this home for quite a few years to come or if you are planning to put it on the market soon.
Budget.
You cannot start a project without knowing your limits. Whether you are using savings or getting a loan, you will have limited money to invest. You need to be sure there is some cushion money available when unforeseen circumstances, like needing a motel room(s) or eating out.
Research.
Ask anyone who has had a recent renovation. Listen to what they say about the success as well as the horror stories. You can learn a lot.
Set limits.
You may be a very good DIY-er, but when it comes to things that can kill you, like electrical work, hire an expert. A good contractor can guide you in the right decisions.
Make a list.
Create a master list of what is and is not viable going forward. There is a big difference between need and want. You may want a new refrigerator, but if the current one is only a few years old but just the wrong colour, you may want to string it along and spend your money elsewhere.
Weather.
Even for interior renovations, the weather can have an effect. Having materials sit on the driveway and get soaked is not a good idea.
Contact Highbridge for foundation repair.
If you are considering a foundation repair before your home renovation in Ottawa, be sure to contact Highbridge. We are experts in this field and can help you make the best decision for your home. Call us at and talk to one of our foundation experts.