Job Stories

A homeowner in Newport, MI with a lakeside home for over 20 years had been facing challenges with flooding due to heavy rainfall and rising water levels. The situation had taken a toll on their home, as water had been pouring into their crawlspace, creating a significant problem and concern for mold and musty odors. THis constant flooding of the crawl space led the home's foundation to sink in certain areas and cause damage to the structure of the home. In an effort to combat the water intrusion, they had installed pumps that have been quite effective in keeping most of the water out. However, this didn't last very long because the water levels kept rising above the pumps' capabilities. Wanting to explore additional solutions to fortify their home's protection, they reached out to us for a comprehensive inspection.   When our Project Manager arrived at the home, they had noticed that the water intrusion was beginning to affect certain areas of their foundation. This led them to conclude that the best possible solution for this homeowner would be to have the Helical Pier Support System installed in order to combat the sinking structure.   So, what exactly are 3" Helical Piers, and how do they work? These piers are engineered with large helical plates that resemble screws. When installed beneath the home's foundation, they penetrate into deeper stable soil layers, anchoring the structure securely and preventing it from settling or shifting during floods or any other heavy rainfall. These piers are particularly well-suited for properties like this homeowners property, as they provided excellent load-bearing capabilities and are ideal for stabilizing structures on uneven terrain.   Our crew started the process by assessing the locations where the Helical Piers should be placed. Once identified, they excavated around the perimeter of the home to gain access to the foundation's base. With precision, they insert the Helical Piers into the ground, gradually advancing them deep into the soil until they reach the stable bedrock or load-bearing layers. As they advance the piers, the helical plates create a strong and secure grip within the ground, giving this home the much-needed support to withstand the forces of flooding. The installation process was quick, ensuring minimal disruption to their living space and daily activities. To further enhance the ventilation of the crawlspace and mitigate any moisture-related issues, our crew also encapsulated the crawl space. This would ensure proper air circulation, preventing the buildup of humidity and mold growth.   As our crew wrapped up the installation, the homeowner could see their lakeside home now fortified against the threat of flooding, providing them with the peace of mind they deserve.

These homeowners contacted us about a sagging front porch that needed to be raised, as well as a section of their sidewalk.  Our crew used the PolyLevel system to inject a powerful polyurethane foam beneath the concrete to fill in the gaps caused by soil erosion and raise the surface.  

This homeowner contacted HomeSpec because the floors were sagging above their crawl space.  Our crew installed our SmartJack system to level and stabilize the crawl space joists, and prevent further settlement. This support system will never rust or be damaged by pests. 

In the journey towards achieving our dream homes, we sometimes encounter unexpected challenges that call for careful consideration. This is the story of a homeowner who, after experiencing water damage in their partially finished basement two years ago, decided to take a proactive approach. Their goal was not merely to address the past issue but to holistically analyze the foundation of their home before investing thousands of dollars into a basement remodel. To solve their problems, we introduced them to the WaterGuard and SuperSump Plus systems, ensuring a dry and secure foundation for their future renovation.   It began with a homeowner in West Bloomfield, MI who had water damage in their basement. Although no immediate concerns were reported, the incident raised a red flag. Their partially finished basement had the potential to be a valuable addition to their living space, and they didn't want to risk repeating history when considering re-finishing it. Their home, which was built in 1965, was in need of a thorough foundation analysis.   Recognizing the importance of a comprehensive evaluation, the homeowner wisely decided to assess their foundation before embarking on the basement remodel. They understood that pouring thousands of dollars into the project without addressing potential vulnerabilities could lead to recurring problems in the future. This strategic decision demonstrated a proactive and prudent approach to home improvement.   To address the homeowner's concerns, we presented them with two solutions: the WaterGuard system and the SuperSump Plus. We explained these systems to ensure the homeowner had a clear understanding of how they would benefit their home.   First, the WaterGuard System: We proposed the installation of the WaterGuard system, which is designed to keep basement spaces dry by collecting water that seeps through the walls and floor. WaterGuard consists of a specialized drainage channel that is installed around the perimeter of the basement. This channel directs water to a sump pump, preventing it from reaching the interior of the basement and ensuring that the space remains dry. Next, our crew installed the SuperSump Plus: To further enhance their basement's waterproofing, our crew introduced the SuperSump Plus system. This sump pump is specifically designed to handle high water volumes and comes equipped with a battery backup system. In case of power outages, the SuperSump Plus continues to operate, protecting the basement from flooding.  In the journey towards creating your perfect home, it is essential to address foundational concerns before diving into extensive renovations. The proactive approach of this homeowner in analyzing their foundation before the basement remodel proved to be a wise decision.   By introducing the WaterGuard and SuperSump Plus systems, we provided a comprehensive solution to their concerns about water damage and foundation stability. With these systems in place, the homeowner can confidently move forward with their basement remodeling project, knowing that their investment is protected and their home's foundation is secure.  

A West Bloomfield, Mi family discovered a danger to the wellbeing of their children in the shape of a tripping hazard created by a porch slab which had moved away from the driveway and created cracks over time. The problem became more and more apparent over the years as their toddlers grew to that youthful age of running around energetically and would repeatedly trip over their unlevel driveway. To ensure the general safety of their children and help restore their property value, the family began looking for a concrete repair and concrete leveling specialist near West Bloomfield, Mi to rectify the problem with a long-lasting solution.                                                                 Fortunately, Homespec is capable of both concrete repair and leveling, as Project Manager Isiah explained to the homeowners during his inspection of the property. After ensuring that the driveway was in fact the main problem, and there weren't any further hidden causes to distress the family, Isiah explained how our crew would use the PolyLevel system and NexusPro to ensure a long-term solution, and not just a quick fix. PolyLevel is an expanding polyurethane foam that is injected beneath the concrete to fill the gaps caused by soil erosion and raise and stabilize the concrete surface. Whereas the NexusPro is an exclusive solution only available to HomeSpec and contractors in the Foundation SupportWorks network. NexusPro is a silicone-based sealant for joints and cracks specially formulated to provide long-lasting flexibility and to stand up to harsh weather conditions. Unlike traditional polyurethane sealants, NexusPro resists UV rays, which means it won't crack, bubble, or dry out. Not only permitting them to seal cracks in the driveway, but also address and provide a seal to the shifted sidewalk.                                      The combination of these two solution sets combined together, ensured the removal of the threat to the family's more energetic members with proper long-term concrete driveway repair, leaving the homeowners amazed at just how quickly they were able to use their newly leveled driveway.

When a family in West Bloomfield, Michigan, grew frustrated with the constant ongoing damage from their wet basement, the daughter stepped up and contacted HomeSpec. These kinds of wet basement problems can be caused by a variety of reasons such as concrete problems, cracks, hydrostatic pressure and more. HomeSpec, realizing the urgency of the matter, sent out Sidney Hutcherson to meet with the family and investigate the situation closer. After a careful review of the problem, and a discussion with the homeowners on how best to address their concerns, Sidney took everything from the homeowner’s time, schedule and even the weather (with rain forecasted on the way) into account and had a team set out ASAP. The work crew set to work removing drywall, paneling and studs, fixing cracking, before dedicating themselves to the basement waterproofing project. Cracks were fixed using our innovative polyurethane sealant called FlexiSpan, which not only seals the cracks but can flex dynamically along with the natural movement of the wall to ensure a long-term waterproof seal. The main task of the basement leak repair was handled by HomeSpec’s WaterGuard System, a piping system engineered specifically to solve basement water problems. The system seamlessly and discretely drains away water along the perimeter to help keep a basement dry and clean. While being engineered to not sit in the dirt, for the prevention of clogging from soils under the floor, thus ensuring a long-lasting solution. HomeSpec’s team even worked so efficiently that they were able to avoid moving the water heater all together, helping cut down the cost of the project for the homeowners! The family was able to feel a sense of "home" again with their worries resolved, and their waterproofing needs exceeded. The homeowners would go on to describe the work as “beautifully, done”.

This homeowner contacted HomeSpec because a wall in their basement was bowing and they needed it waterproofed. They also wanted an Egress window installed.  Our crew installed beams to stabilize the wall, then installed and interior drainage system to waterproof the basement. 

This homeowner contacted HomeSpec because he had a crack in his basement wall running from the top of the wall down to the floor. After a heavy rain, water was leaking in at the bottom.  Our crew repaired the crack by injecting it with our sealant to prevent it from worsening or leaking again. 

This homeowner contacted HomeSpec because water was coming up through her basement floor and she wanted it waterproofed. Our crew installed an interior drainage system to prevent more water issues and keep her basement dry. 

A  homeowner who had recently moved into their home in Brownstown, MI was excited to have their basement as a recreational room for their family.. However, they soon discovered that the basement was starting to leak. This family had begun to notice water pooling on their basement floor every time it rained, and they just couldn't identify the source of the problem. Growing increasingly concerned about the potential for further damage, they called HomeSpec BasementFix to take a look.   Once our Project Manager arrived at the property and had started the inspection, they found a major crack in the corner of the wall, which was allowing water to seep into the basement and cause damage. Our Project Manager recommended that Ms. Jackson install a WaterGuard Drainage System to waterproof the basement and prevent any further issues in the future. The homeowner was hesitant at first, as they had never heard of the system before, but they decided to give it a try after our Project Manager explained the numerous benefits and permanency of the solution.    When our crew arrived, they got straight to work. They started by excavating a small channel around the perimeter of the basement floor. Then, they installed the WaterGuard Drainage System, which is a specially designed channel that collects water and directs it to a sump pump for disposal. They also installed a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from seeping through the walls. After a few hours of hard work, our crew had completed the installation. The family was amazed at how clean and efficient the installation process was and were also impressed with the WaterGuard Drainage System's sleek design, which was hardly noticeable on the basement floor.   A few weeks later, it rained heavily, and this homeowner eagerly checked the basement for any signs of water leakage. To their delight, the basement was completely dry. They were more than happy with the results and grateful to our crew for their exceptional work. They now had the peace of mind that the basement was protected from water damage and could enjoy their newly waterproofed basement for years to come.