Job Stories

A family in Southfield, Mi, had been continually bothered by their sagging floors for quite some time. What made the problem worse was that the floors were even starting to feel colder, and their seasonal allergies felt a bit worse than usual this year as well. They knew that they couldn't keep living like this and had a feeling that if these problems continued to go unaddressed that they would compound and grow into a much worse situation. They decided to look into crawl space repair contractors near Southfield, Michigan. After comparing reviews and history, they decided the best crawl space foundation contractor would be HomeSpec BasementFix.We sent out one of our project managers to meet with the family and discuss their concerns in more detail before providing a free inspection and detailed estimate on a custom proposed solution. The crawl space in question had a clearance height of roughly 3 feet, but that wouldn't deter our team. The project manager would thoroughly conduct his inspection of the crawl space to determine the cause. It was discovered that this dirt crawl space was damp with signs of past water damage along many of the wooden supports which had begun to rot and give way. This was the likeliest explanation for the sagging floors right above. We wanted to address the problem in its entirety for the homeowners and took their descriptions of colder floors and worsening allergies into consideration as well. We proposed a solution set consisting of crawl space support jacks and a full crawl space encapsulation.Our crew would begin by sistering weakened joists and replacing the most damaged support beams all together. We would then utilize the SmartJack crawl space support jack system to help provide reliable support back to the floors and push them back to level. These crawl space support jacks are adjustable, ensuring they can be serviced or customized year-round to adapt to any related situation a home may require. Engineered with galvanized steel and a special zinc coating to prevent any degradation or erosion, ensuring that the problem wouldn't repeat itself, these powerful supports provide an ideal support solution.The dirt crawl space was recommended to be encapsulated with our CleanSpace system. Dirt crawl spaces carry a variety of threats to both the home and comfortability of those living there. A dirt crawl space can easily let water in and create dampness, which can in turn damage the supports throughout the foundation, as was seen in this situation. This damp environment is an easy breeding ground for mold and bacteria to spread throughout. This accompanied with evaporated groundwater contaminating the air, could be major factors in the homeowner's worsening health. Getting crawl space encapsulation helps seal off and separate the dirt from the ground to prevent these situations. CleanSpace is manufactured in a special 7-layered material consisting of both high and low-density polyethylene to ensure both durability and flexibility, while being treated with a special antimicrobial formula to prevent any bacteria or mold. This solution helps waterproof the area and prevents water leaking into the crawl space.After both hearing and seeing the benefits of these solutions firsthand, the homeowners were relieved to have both their peace of mind and some semblance of health back. By separating the dirt crawl space away from the home, they were also able to retain heat, prevent colder floors and save money on heating bills. A welcome surprise benefit that most don't realize at first!

A Southfield, Michigan resident had a leaky basement wall that was letting water through during heavy rains. It appeared to be coming in where the wall and floor meet in her partially finished basement, along the concrete foundation. They needed to find a basement crack repair and waterproofing contractor to take a closer look and determine how best to address the situation. We sent our project manager Mark as our representative of choice. Mark closely listened to the homeowners concerns and guided her through his inspection process to make sure there was a mutual understanding of each step as he investigated the possible causes and extent of the water damage. Thankfully, it appeared the main cause to be the aforementioned crack itself, meaning more involved basement waterproofing would be recommended in the future, but not required.   Our crew was able to quickly fill and address the crack with a high-pressure urethane crack injection. This seals the crack and prevents water from leaking through. The process is quick, easy, and permanent. It was such a fluid process with immediate results that the homeowner was surprised by the simple solution to a problem that had been haunting this home with wet basement problems for weeks.

A customer contacted us because she was interested in having a vapor barrier and insultation installed in her crawl space. Our inspector checked the crawl space and noted that while there was no water in the crawl space at the time, it was very humid. The homeowner decided not to move forward with the work. She later contacted us, however, wanting to get the vapor barrier. She also decided that she wanted an interior drainage system that was suggested to her when the inspector first visited her house. Our crew installed the drainage system and vapor barrier, ensuring the crawl space will be dry. 

When a homeowner in Lapeer noticed water seeping into her basement, she contacted us for help. She said the basement had an interior drainage system, but it had failed and no longer did its job. Our inspector found water seeping into the house at the bottom of the wall. We installed a new drainage system along the perimeter of the basement. Our system comes backed with a warranty, so if the homeowner ever experienced issues in the future we would repair it for her, saving her the money and trouble of finding someone else to replace it. 

A homeowner reached out to us because he had a crack leaking in his basement wall. He said he had repaired the crack himself 20 years ago and it recently started leaking again. Our crew sealed the crack to ensure he won't have that issue again. We recommend having a professional fill cracks because while sometimes they do last, in this customer's case, other times it can pose a threat to the home. For instance, a DIY fill could cause the crack to expand, leading to more leaking or even foundation damage.

A homeowner wanted to finish their basement but was concerned about water leaks. Our team found that several rod holes and a crack were leaking. We repaired the crack and rod holes so the homeowner could finish their basement as planned. 

A family in Southgate, MI had been noticing the porch they just rebuilt was separating from the house, concerned that the crack would affect the basement if they did not address the root of the problem, the family began looking for the best foundation repair contractors nearby. Their search led them to contact HomeSpec BasementFix as the foundation repair specialist for this project.A Project Manager with experience in foundation repair was called to the residence to provide a free detailed inspection and address the homeowners concerns. After taking a look at the crack between the house and the porch, he explained that sinking foundations can be caused by shifting soils that are no longer able to support the weight of the foundation. This happens over time, and if not addressed properly, can cause structural damage to the home and lead to a loss in property value. Our Project Manager proposed the Helical Pier Support System as the best way forward for this family and their foundation settlement problems.This homeowner needed their porch raised back to level and the Helical Pier Support System helped stabilize this home by connecting to the foundation with steel brackets. The weight is then transferred from unstable soils to newer, load-bearing soils, through the piers, bringing it back to proper level. The welded helical plates are designed not to add weight to the unstable soils or crack under the weight of the foundation; this solution addressed the root cause of their foundation issue and in return, caused the homeowners to regain their peace of mind. With the foundation successfully restored, and these homeowners' fears put to rest, they were pleased with the professional work done by our crew.

A homeowner in Southgate, MI had always dreamed of having a fully finished basement, a place where they could entertain guests, set up a cozy home theater, and create a play area for their children. With this vision in mind, they embarked on the exciting journey of finishing the basement. As they began the transformation process, they encountered an unexpected hurdle. While inspecting the basement walls, they discovered a few troublesome cracks and, to their dismay, a small hole that was causing water to seep through and pool on the floor. Concerned about the potential damage and the risk it posed to the basement, they knew they needed to contact a waterproofing company. After conducting extensive research and seeking advice from friends and professionals, they came across us. After reading some of the reviews, they wasted no time and reached out to us, explaining the situation and scheduling a consultation. The next day, we sent an experienced Project Manager to the home. He began the free, detailed inspection of their basement by inspecting cracks and taking a closer look at the leaking hole. Once he confirmed his findings, he discussed them with the homeowner. He explained to the homeowner that the best solution for their basement was to install the WaterGuard Drainage System. This french drain system would effectively collect and redirect water away from the basement, preventing any further leakage and ensuring the longevity of their space. First, our crew prepared the basement floor by excavating a small trench along the perimeter walls. This excavation allowed them to create a path for the WaterGuard Drainage System, ensuring it would collect any water that seeped through the walls or floor. Next, our crew cleaned and sealed the cracks in the basement walls, ensuring that no water could penetrate the surface in the future. They also applied a specialized sealant to the small hole, guaranteeing that it would no longer serve as an entry point for water. With the preparation complete, our crew began installing the WaterGuard Drainage System. They carefully placed the specially designed drainage channels into the excavated trench, ensuring a perfect fit against the walls.  Once the WaterGuard was securely in place, our crew backfilled the trench with clean gravel. This provided a sturdy and efficient foundation for the drainage system, allowing water to flow freely towards the designated sump pump area. With the WaterGuard Drainage System in place, this homeowner's basement became a safe and dry haven, free from any worries of water damage or mold growth. They were happy to return to their renovation project with the peace of mind that water damage would not affect the outcome.

Previous customers who were satisfied with our work contacted us to repair a home that had a bowing basement wall. Our team installed a stabilization system to prevent further movement. 

A family had just moved into a home in Allen Park, Mi, and were looking forward to unpacking and settling into their new accommodations. However, it didn't take long for them to notice that their chimney cleanout had water leaking through it and down the walls when it rained.  They had crack repair work and general waterproofing done by HomeSpec Basementfix in the past and decided to reach out again for their new home.                                                           Accordingly, Bobby Whitus was sent to meet with the family, having worked together before, his presence was a reassurance for them. They showed him the leak situation around the cleanout door, and bobby began a thorough inspection. Through his inspection, Bobby was able to propose a proper plan to solve the family's problems. That plan being to install a sub-floor drainage with 4' of BrightWall waterproof panels over the chimney cleanout. From there they would have the water discharge to a sump basin or floor drain to seamlessly prevent any repeat incidents.                                               The BrightWall panel system consists of semi-rigid waterproof plastic panels that fasten mechanically to the walls. They can't be pushed off by moisture coming through, will never rot or discolor, and water that passes through the wall from cracks or other penetrations will run behind the panel down to the perimeter drainage system below, with a clean and bright white finish for aesthetic appeal.                             Not only were the homeowners able to waterproof their basement with this solution, but their walls ended up looking even better than when the project started!