Basement Waterproofing & Foundation Repair in Ann Arbor, Sterling Heights, MI

Signs of Spring: Your Home Is Sinking, Basement Leaking, Concrete Cracking and More

2026-02-16T00:00:00.05Z

Michigan weather is finally starting to turn the corner out of the arctic freeze as temperatures begin to rise. The snow and ice are finally melting, revealing problems that were buried beneath the layers of cold. You can see signs that Spring is approaching by the way your home changes.

Keep an eye out for these symptoms to know if an upcoming Spring is impacting your home:

Settlement issues like sticking doors and windows
Interior and exterior foundation cracks
Bowing or leaking basement walls
Water on the basement floor
Sinking or cracking concrete in your driveway or sidewalk

While it can seem like these problems emerged overnight, they have likely been developing for a long time. Between hydrostatic pressure from soil being saturated with water, freeze-thaw cycles, loose soils that allow sinking and other environmental factors, the elements have strong effects on the entirety of your home. So, what do you do about it?

To combat hydrostatic pressure, the water needs somewhere else to go. One method to accomplish this would be to install an interior drainage system and a sump pump in the basement. Taking the pressure off is important, but it is still vital to secure foundation walls that have begun bowing. For soils that allow settling of foundations, there are methods like helical piers to lift the home, or, in the case of concrete, there is PolyLevel® Injection Foam.

HomeSpec Waterproofing and Foundation Repair has multiple solutions that can be customized to your home’s specific needs. If you need help with basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, foundation repair or concrete repair, HomeSpec is here not only to offer repairs, but information about why these problems occurred in the first place. Call [[phone]] for a free estimate or click here and one of our team members will reach out.

6-Year-Old Dubbed Honorary Foreman of Local Construction Company

2025-08-21T00:00:00.05Z

(From left to right, Jordan Richardson, David Oliverson, Gibran Sabbath, and Tony Tromchida)

Westland, MI — Tony Tromchida, a 6-year-old construction enthusiast, jumped at the opportunity to help the HomeSpec Waterproofing & Foundation Repair crew repair his family’s basement. Tony’s mother, Suzanne, called for help when water intrusion began damaging the carpet in their Royal Oak, MI home. The team on scene to install waterproofing solutions welcomed Tony with open arms throughout the process.

The melting snow of a new year revealed that water was entering the basement of the household. Suzanne expressed concerns about mold developing and was unable to utilize the space due to this ongoing issue. It was no longer a child-friendly environment and was unsuitable for both organization and storage.

With plans to remain in the home for the next 15 years, Suzanne wanted to waterproof the basement sooner rather than later. She contacted HomeSpec for help. After a thorough inspection and deciding on a repair plan, it was time to move forward with the project.

HomeSpec sent a team of three to complete the work. The lead foreman, Gibran Sabbath, David Oliverson, and Jordan Richardson arrived at the home with plans to waterproof the basement as they had done many times before. They were surprised to find an extra set of eager hands ready to help. Tony joined the group seamlessly, turning the trio into a temporary squad of four.

“Looking good, Tony,” Sabbath complimented after teaching Tony how to smooth the concrete used to finalize the basement’s new internal drainage system. Tony added his personal touch with a handprint in the wet concrete.

(Tony and Sabbath covering the external discharge line)

Tony also helped with the final touches of the external discharge line. He placed sod on top of the pipe and, with Sabbath’s guidance, used a steel tamper to flatten the grass, returning the yard to its even, green aesthetic.

“Gonna have to put on his application when he’s 18, 10 years of waterproofing experience,” Sabbath said, laughing with Suzanne.

Members of HomeSpec were moved by Tony’s excitement and joy. They put together a gift bag similar to what is given to new employees; it contained a HomeSpec water bottle, baseball cap, notebook, foam ball, and shirt. However, this shirt displayed the title HONORARY FOREMAN on the back.

Suzanne coordinated a time for Sabbath, Oliverson, and Richardson to visit again. Shortly after Tony woke up one August morning, Suzanne guided him outside, where the HomeSpec team presented the gifts. He tried on the shirt and hat and tossed the ball with Sabbath. Suzanne told Tony could wear his new shirt to camp later that day.

Suzanne shared that Tony wants to be a construction worker one day and loves Home Depot, mostly because they have the best Halloween decorations. She also shared that Tony likes to fix houses. He found it incredibly important to help the HomeSpec team, “because he wanted to make sure there was no more water in the basement.”

“They were a tremendous crew, not only in the work they did, but in mentoring my son,” Suzanne said.

HomeSpec Waterproofing & Foundation Repair, founded in 1994, is a family-owned business. The company specializes in work involving basement waterproofing, foundation repair, crawl space repair, and concrete repair. They serve the greater Detroit area with pride and have over 30 years of experience. For more information, visit www.homespec.com.

Is Your Yard Trying To Wreck Your Home?

2024-05-07T00:00:00.05Z

How moisture affects your home’s foundation.

Your home sits on many different layers of soil, each with its own properties, including moisture content. These layers developed over a long time — billions of years, in fact. While some were carried there and deposited by water, wind or glaciers, the top layer was likely formed by the company that developed the land for your neighborhood. They removed soil from hills and put it into valleys to create a flat area ready to be built upon. This is known as fill soil.

Here’s the thing: Over time, soil, whether made by humans or nature, can become unstable. Drought can cause the soil to shrink and voids to form. Fill soil that was poorly compacted initially can compress over time. And lastly, large amounts of moisture can cause soil to soften or expand.

This is particularly true regarding the soil closest to your home. This is known as the “active zone” because it represents the soil most affected by moisture as the season or climate changes. Depending on the area of the country in which you live, the active zone may vary from a few feet to more than 30 feet below grade, and it typically extends as far as 10 feet away from your foundation. So, if the soil in this area becomes saturated with water from heavy rains or snow melt, your home’s foundation can sink or even fail.

A structure’s foundation can sink and settle when the soil beneath it can no longer support it. If the soil under your home becomes saturated with water, it can soften and become unstable. (Think about stepping into a muddy field.) If you have a basement foundation, the soil surrounding it can become saturated with water and press outward due to a phenomenon known as hydrostatic pressure. Simply put, as water saturates the soil in the active zone around your foundation, the water exerts pressure against your walls. And if you’ve ever lifted a water cooler jug, you know how much just a few gallons of water weighs!

The importance of making the grade.

So, you can see why it’s so important to ensure that water drains away from your home’s foundation and past this active zone. To achieve this, the elevation around your home should drop one inch for every foot as you move away from the foundation up to 10 feet. This will help ensure that water drains away from your home and settles beyond this active zone by the time it starts to be absorbed into the ground.

If you’re unsure if your yard is graded correctly, you can measure it with a few simple tools. You’ll need a 10-foot length of string, a couple of stakes and a bubble level. Place a stake into the soil right up against your home’s foundation and tie one end of your string to it right at ground level. Then, walk out 10 feet, place the second stake into the soil and tie the string around it. Make sure the string is taught and level. Now, measure the distance between the ground and the string ten feet away from your foundation. This will tell you how much your yard’s elevation has dropped 10 feet away from your foundation. Do this at several points around your home to get the best feel for your yard’s grading. If the numbers you’re getting indicate that your elevation drops less than one inch per foot, or if you find that the elevation hasn’t dropped at all, then it may be time to call a landscape company to grade your yard.

Having your yard properly graded will give you the peace of mind of knowing that when heavy rains come, all that water is draining away from your home, not into its active zone, where it can cause all sorts of foundation problems.

Of course, if you’re worried that your yard’s grading (or lack thereof) has already caused issues with your home’s foundation, you should call a reputable foundation-repair company to inspect it. Because, even if your home’s foundation has already settled or has walls that have bowed or otherwise pushed inward, a foundation-repair expert should be able to fix the problem permanently, giving you even more of that precious peace of mind.

What Happens If You Don't Fix a Foundation Crack?

2024-04-25T00:00:00.05Z

Why Do Foundations Crack?

If there is a crack in your home’s foundation, it means that there is some sort of stress being exerted on it — enough to cause a block or poured concrete wall to fail slightly. That stress can be caused by several factors, the most common of which is the soil around and underneath your home.

That soil may have shrunk due to prolonged drought. It may have softened due to excessive moisture. Or it may have simply compressed over time because the fill soil your home’s builders placed there wasn’t compacted enough to begin with. In any of these cases, the result is that a part of your home’s foundation has likely begun to settle and sink, increasing the stress on its foundation.

Another kind of stress that can cause foundation cracks is hydrostatic pressure in the surrounding soil. If you’ve experienced a lot of rain or snow, the soil surrounding your home’s basement may be saturated and swollen with literally tons of water. This additional weight in the soil pushes against your basement walls and can cause them to bow inward and crack in the process.

The bottom line is that if you see a crack in your home’s foundation, it’s telling you there’s something wrong — and it’s time to call in an expert to diagnose the problem.

But when should you call? Can it wait, or does it have to be right now?

Why Fix a Foundation Now?

Foundation cracks can grow very slowly — sometimes less than an inch a year — so, it’s easy to ignore them or at least push them to the bottom of your to-do list.

But here’s the thing: Foundation problems don’t get better over time. And that means they don’t get easier or less expensive to fix. In fact, the best, least expensive time to fix a foundation issue is right when you discover it.

We should also mention that you’re likely legally required to disclose foundation problems if you ever sell your home. And they will probably reduce your home’s selling price by a greater amount than it would cost to fix its foundation. So, that’s another factor you need to consider.

But the main and obvious reason to fix your foundation sooner rather than later is that if you don’t, it will eventually fail, and your home will no longer be safe to occupy. Now, will that be six months from now or six years? Who knows — but do you really want to gamble your family’s safety?

The good news is that most foundation problems can be fixed permanently. Depending on the issue, your home’s foundation can be stabilized and even raised back to level using a system of push or helical piers that are driven into the soil beneath your home to bedrock or load-bearing strata.

The key is to find a foundation repair company that has the expertise, experience and equipment to do the job right. In other words, this is NOT the time for a DIY fix or to have a local handyperson tackle the job.

Get estimates. Check references. Read reviews. This is a big project and requires due diligence on your part. And if you get three estimates and one is significantly lower than the other two, treat it with extreme suspicion. Something likely isn’t right.

Again, this is your home we’re talking about. It’s not only likely your biggest single financial investment but also the place that shelters and protects your family. It’s not something that you should skimp on when it comes to a serious repair of this nature.

Driveway Tripping Hazard Fixed in Canton, MI

2024-04-05T14:03:19.05Z

HomeSpec Waterproofing and Foundation Repair sent one of their project managers, Noah, to inspect the areas of concern. He shared with the homeowners that HomeSpec had a solution, PolyLevel® injection foam. This polyurethane foam expands under the concrete to fill in the soil voids and evenly lift the concrete to its former glory. Afterward, the crew would use NexusPro sealant on the joints and cracks. The homeowners agreed to this plan and allowed HomeSpec to move forward. The repairs were completed by HomeSpec’s PolyLevel foreman, Fred, and his team. The couple were happy with the work and to see their driveway completely flat.

6 Structural Issues Your Home Inspector May Not Catch

2024-03-20T00:00:00.05Z

You’re about to buy a home. Maybe it’s your first home. Maybe it’s your “forever home.” Either way, it’s likely to be the biggest investment you’ve ever made. So, you hire a home inspector to make sure that your new house is safe, secure and ready for moving day.

But what if that home inspector misses something? What if, six months from now, you discover an issue that might’ve prevented you from buying the house altogether? Or, at the very least, what if you find an issue that might’ve given you leverage to get a lower price?

Home inspectors are generally very good at their jobs — but they’re not infallible. And while they may be experts at finding problems with plumbing and wiring, they sometimes miss foundation, concrete and other structural problems. That’s why it’s important to make sure your new home isn’t plagued with structural issues that will affect its resale value.

Here are a few structural problems a home inspector may miss or misinterpret.

Sticking windows and/or doors
It might be tempting to chalk a sticking window or stubborn door up to the age of the home. It’s not uncommon for potential buyers and inspectors to dismiss these symptoms as simply a home “settling.” But there may be more to it. A window or door may stick in its frame because the structure around it has actually shifted and is no longer true. This shift may be due to the home’s foundation sinking into the soil beneath it, causing the structure above it to skew. This can happen when poorly compacted fill soil compresses over time. Or it may happen when soil washes away or dries up and shrinks due to extreme weather events such as flooding and drought. Whatever the cause, the problem can be quite serious and may foreshadow more severe issues down the line.
Gapping floors and/or ceilings
This is another aesthetic issue that is easy to blame on a home settling, especially if the structure is more than 20 years old. But there may be an underlying reason that an interior wall separates from the floor or ceiling. And as with sticking doors and windows, this reason may be a foundation settlement issue. So, if you’re looking to buy a home that has ceiling or floor gaps, it may be time to bring in a foundation expert to have a closer look.
Bouncing or uneven floors
Unlike the issues mentioned above, bouncing or uneven floors may occur simply because the joists that support the floor have warped due to either an excess of moisture causing swelling or a lack of moisture causing shrinking. This is most often seen in a home that is built over a crawl space rather than a fully sealed basement — although waterproofing issues can cause basements to give off enough humidity to cause these issues as well. That being said, foundation settlement can cause bouncing and uneven floors too, so it is well worth having an expert inspect them to determine the cause and resolution. Even if your home has a full basement, it may have an addition that is built over a crawl space, so that addition may be prone to bouncing and uneven floors, where the rest of the home is not.
Drywall or plaster cracks
This is another aesthetic problem that can indicate a deeper structural issue. As a foundation settles, it typically does so in an uneven manner. That means certain parts of the house may sink while others don’t. Or perhaps they sink at different rates. This can cause the home’s framing to skew, which in addition to windows and doors sticking and floors and ceilings gapping, can cause interior walls to crack. The trouble is, interior wall cracks — especially hairline cracks — are all too easy to fill and paint. This makes them easy to miss at an inspection.
Separating chimney
While a home inspector should spot an issue as obvious as a chimney that has become separated from the rest of the home, it is possible that it may be missed. As with the above issues, a chimney separation is likely caused by poor soil beneath it, but it may be exacerbated because the chimney’s foundation may not be physically connected to the main structure. This can happen immediately after a home’s construction or years later as it settles into poorly compacted or washed out soil.
Driveway, pool deck, patio and sidewalk cracks
It seems as if we’ve become used to seeing cracked concrete. Walk down any residential sidewalk, and you’ll see cracked, broken and sunken slabs. You’ll see these same issues in other concrete structures too, including driveways, patios and pool decks. While these may not seem as severe as foundation-related problems, they do affect the value of your home. And, in some cases, may actually present tripping hazards that could mean liability issues for the owner. What they do have in common with foundation issues, however, is the cause — poor soil. As with a foundation, concrete slabs can sink and crack over time as they settle into poorly compacted fill soil or into voids left behind after soil washes out or shrinks due to drought.

If you’re looking to buy or sell a home and suspect it may have foundation, crawl space or concrete issues, contact HomeSpec Waterproofing and Foundation Repair. We have the expertise and equipment to accurately assess and permanently repair most foundation, crawl space and concrete issues.

Musty Smell Coming From Crawl Space? Lambertville, MI Crawl Space Encapsulation by HomeSpec

2024-03-18T12:19:24.05Z

After inspecting the home, Zach, a senior project manager, offered his professional opinion for a permanent solution. Yes, encapsulating with a CleanSpace® vapor barrier would address some elements of the problem; however, there were more factors. He suggested also installing a crawl space vent cover over every vent and a SaniDry Sedona crawl space dehumidifier. These products would act both preventatively and actively in moisture control and management. The vent covers would prevent the issues commonly associated with crawl space vents while the dehumidifier would regularly work to cleanse the air and maintain the homeowners’ desired level of humidity. The homeowners agreed to these products to ensure a permanent solution fixed their crawl space. After Jon, a HomeSpec foreman, and his team installed everything, the family was happy with the final results.

Highland, MI Home Saves Sagging Floors by Stabilizing the Basement and Crawl Space

2024-03-13T16:53:06.05Z

One of HomeSpec’s senior project managers, Mark, went to the home for an inspection. After speaking with the homeowner and looking both inside and outside the house, Mark proposed solutions to address the issues. He recommended replacing the singular support under the garage beam with two SmartJack® reinforcements. These galvanized steel supports are used to support uneven floors and sagging floor joists because they can support more than 60,000 pounds. He also recommended using three more SmartJack® posts in the crawl space, which could also be insulated with SilverGlo™ and encapsulated with CleanSpace® to address the moisture and mold concerns. The homeowner agreed to these repairs and HomeSpec sent their foremen, Jim and Fred, to lead the installations. The homeowner was happy with the finished results which restored confidence in the house.

Sand Creek, MI Home Built in 1880 Gets Waterproofed

2024-03-06T15:24:33.05Z

Yann, a HomeSpec project manager, inspected the areas of concern as well as the rest of the home to determine the best options for this homeowner. For the staircase, he suggested installing a CleanSpace® vapor barrier along the walls and a TrenchDrain™ Grated Draining Pipe at the base. The TrenchDrain™ could then be connected to a WaterGuard® interior drainage system as well as a sump pump and sump discharge. While some homeowners would add these waterproofing products around the entire basement perimeter, this plan fit this homeowner’s wishes to only extend the system around the sections of their highest concern. The products were installed by foremen Jon and Vernon as well as their teams. The homeowner was happy with the completed project and knowing their basement was protected.

What To Do if You See Your Concrete Sinking

2024-03-04T00:00:00.05Z

Why is the concrete around your home no longer level?

In almost every case, concrete settlement is caused by issues with the soil underneath it, so let’s look at those:

Unstable fill soil is a common culprit. Land developers and builders moved soil around to prepare your home’s site for construction, creating an additional top layer of fill soil. Your concrete slabs were then poured over these areas. Unfortunately, even if it was compacted well with special equipment, that fill soil is not as stable as the native soils below. So, when fill soils consolidate and settle, voids inevitably form under the concrete slab. Eventually, the slab cracks and falls into these voids.
Drought is another common issue. During dry periods, or even just times of warm weather and low precipitation, the soil under your concrete slabs can dry out and shrink. This leaves voids for the concrete to crack and sink into — especially when any weight is placed on it, like an automobile or a load-bearing wall.
Excess moisture also causes concrete problems. When heavy rains or snows occur, that water finds its way under your concrete slabs via cracks and crevices. The soil underneath your slab then becomes saturated and soft — or washes away completely — leaving voids for the heavy concrete above to fall into.

How to deal with sinking concrete.

Here’s the good news: The sunken concrete around your home can be lifted, leveled and protected against future problems. Even better, in most cases, it can be fixed permanently.

But before we get into that, we should address two not-so-permanent “fixes” for sunken concrete. The first is concrete replacement.

Pouring new concrete might seem appealing. After all, you’ll end up with brand-new slabs, and new is better, right? Well, in this case, no. First, pouring new concrete requires breaking up and tearing out the old concrete. That means a lot of disruption for you and your neighbors. Not only is this a noisy, messy process, but it can take a week or more for concrete to cure, which means your driveway, sidewalk, patio or pool deck will be unusable for that time.

When new concrete cures, it’s usually a different color than any older concrete around it. So, unless you remove and repour your entire driveway, etc., you’ll end up with a patchwork quilt of mismatched slabs.

Then there’s the environmental impact. In addition to the old concrete heading to your local landfill, there’s the issue of Portland cement, the “glue” that holds concrete together. The cement industry is one of the world’s worst carbon emitters. In fact, if it were a country, the Portland cement industry would be the world’s third largest CO2 emitter, behind the US and China. So, the less brand-new concrete we use, the better it is for our environment.

Finally, there’s the problem of the soil we mentioned earlier. Pouring new concrete on your old soil won’t address the issues that caused the old concrete to sink in the first place, so in a few years, you’ll be right back where you started.

Now, let’s look at mudjacking. This involves injecting a slurry of mud and rocks beneath your concrete slabs to shore them up. As the name suggests, it is an extremely messy process. Plus, it leaves a series of soda-can-sized holes in your concrete through which the slurry is injected, leaving your concrete with an odd polka-dot appearance.

But the negatives don’t end there; like pouring new concrete, mudjacking doesn’t address the soil issues beneath your slabs. And since the slurry consists of mud and rock, it’s extremely heavy, exerting even more weight on your unstable soil.

PolyLevel®: The ideal concrete solution

Now we come to the best of all worlds: PolyLevel foam. PolyLevel is an expanding polyurethane foam that starts off as a liquid injected beneath your concrete, where it quickly runs to find cracks and voids in the soil. Almost immediately, it begins to expand as much as 29 times its original volume. This expansion lifts the heavy concrete slabs above it back to their initial level. Not only that, but PolyLevel’s expansion also exerts a downward pressure, compacting the soil beneath it and stabilizing it in the process. This means that when your home’s concrete is lifted and leveled with PolyLevel, it is permanently stabilized.

Because it’s a foam, PolyLevel is incredibly light, so any weight it adds to the soil is negligible. As it quickly cures into a rigid, incompressible mass, it fills the voids beneath your concrete, providing stabilization. Once cured, it’s environmentally friendly because it doesn’t react chemically with the surrounding environment and won’t break down over time. It also provides no nutritional value, so it won’t be damaged by insects or other animals.

Lastly, PolyLevel cures incredibly quickly, so you can actually start using your driveway, patio, sidewalk or pool deck as soon as the installation crew leaves.

As you can see, PolyLevel foam injection is the one solution for sunken, broken concrete that offers a permanent fix that’s minimally disruptive and environmentally friendly.

The only catch is, PolyLevel is only available from select contractors across North America and must be installed by an experienced crew. The good news is, we’re one of those select dealers! So, if you’re ready to repair your concrete for good, click the button to schedule your free estimate.

False Spring Surprise: Water in Your Basement!

2024-02-29T00:00:00.05Z

The first day of spring is not until March 19 this year, yet the warm weather has certainly made itself known lately. Alternating between snow, sunshine, and heavy rains has left large parts of Michigan flooded. And even if the water didn’t sit on top of the ground long, the soil has become more saturated.

Unfortunately, many homeowners do not know there is a problem with their basement or crawl space until heavy rains reveal them. Even worse, if the basement is finished and water damage becomes noticeable, it is difficult to know the true scope of water intrusion until the drywall comes down. This is why knowing professionals who can help is so important.

From dripping cracks to bowing walls, from leaking floors to needing a sump pump, there are a plethora of problems that can come to light. HomeSpec Waterproofing and Foundation Repair have thoroughly trained project managers and foremen who know the signs and the solutions to fix problems at their source.

With the real spring and spring showers on the way, it is vital to stop these leaks before they get worse. Make sure you water your flowers and not your basement floors. Call HomeSpec at [[phone]] and ask about a free inspection!

Moldy Crawl Space Repaired, Insulated, and Encapsulated in Royal Oak

2024-02-27T14:27:31.05Z

HomeSpec sent a senior project manager, Zach, to inspect the crawl space. He shared that removing the debris would be the first step. After doing so, he recommended treating and preventing mold using Mold-X2, insulating the crawl space using SilverGlo™, encapsulating using CleanSpace®, and adding an EverLast™ crawl space door. Not only will insulating with SilverGlo™ keep the cold air out but it is made of a material that will not trap moisture and therefore will not grow mold with or without Mold-X2. Encapsulating with CleanSpace® keeps the crawl space dry, clean, and comfortable when you do have to enter the space. And the EverLast™ crawl space door provides a waterproof seal. These repairs were made by HomeSpec's crew led by foreman Jon. This combination of materials offered the couple peace of mind and a dry, mold-free crawl space.

River Rouge, MI Foundation Stabilization Using Helical Piers

2024-02-14T10:41:46.05Z

A homeowner in River Rouge, MI was shocked when their neighbor’s house needed to be demolished. The back half of the home had fallen over and was deemed irreparable. When this homeowner noticed their own basement wall beginning to bow, they knew they needed to get it assessed immediately. They called HomeSpec Waterproofing and Foundation Repair to evaluate the situation. Keith, a senior project manager for HomeSpec, walked the entire property, inside and outside.

Unfortunately, when it comes to the foundations of older homes, it is difficult to know the true circumstances until digging begins. Sometimes, they are built without a footer. This begs the question of whether or not the home can be lifted or only stabilized. These variables were discussed the homeowner decided to proceed with HomeSpec’s repairs.

Leaking Rod Holes Damage Repair in Plymouth, MI Basement

2024-02-09T13:39:37.05Z

To find viable solutions, the homeowner reached out to HomeSpec Waterproofing and Foundation Repair. The project manager, Mark, recommended repairs that address both the rod holes and the basement as a whole. The homeowner approved and two HomeSpec crews were scheduled to get the work done. The first crew was led by foreman Mike. They repaired the leaking rod holes and cracks using high pressure urethane injections, stopping the water from within. The second crew was led by foreman Brandon to waterproof the basement. This was done using a WaterGuard® interior drainage system, a new Sump Pump, an existing discharge and basin, and CleanSpace®. This collection of products will collect any water that intrudes, pump it away from the home, and keep the walls looking fresh.

HomeSpec Waterproofing and Foundation Repair Earns 2023 Angi Super Service Award

2024-01-26T09:49:14.05Z

Westland, Mi, January 26, 2024 – HomeSpec Waterproofing and Foundation Repair is proud to announce that it has earned the home service industry’s coveted Angi Super Service Award (SSA). This award honors service professionals who have maintained high service ratings and reviews on Angi in 2023.

“At Angi, we’re committed to celebrating Jobs Done Well, which can only be accomplished with the partnership and support of top pro like our 2023 Super Service Award Winners,” said Angie Hicks, Chief Customer Officer, Angi. “These outstanding, local businesses have helped homeowners improve, maintain and repair their homes this year and got top reviews from these homeowners while doing so. Congratulations to this year's Super Service Award winners.”

Angi Super Service Award 2023 winners have met eligibility requirements. Pros on Angi qualify for the award by receiving three or more reviews in the same category with an average rating of at least 4.5 stars during review period (Nov 1st - Oct 31st), have a lifetime rating of at least 4.5 stars, and are in good standing and active on Angi.

HomeSpec has been on Angi since 2018. This is the sixth year HomeSpec has received this honor.

Service company ratings are updated continually on Angi as new, verified consumer reviews are submitted. Companies are rated in multiple fields ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

For over two decades Angi has been a trusted name for connecting consumers to top-rated service professionals. Angi provides unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

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Operating for over 29 years, HomeSpec is a family-owned business that cares about ethics, quality, and reputation. We pride ourselves on our ability to remain honest, dependable, and reputable for over more than 25 years in business. We've bolstered our services by building an award-winning reputation and becoming a leader in the basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, foundation repair, and concrete leveling industries in Greater Detroit.

Contact:

basementfix.com

Protect Your Home From Severe Winter Weather

2024-01-19T00:00:00.05Z

Protect Your Home From Severe Winter Weather

The answer to why your home feels so cold may not be what you expect.

2024 is off to a brutally cold start thanks to arctic blasts. Michigan faced an intense winter storm that plummeted temperatures and buried the roads in snow and ice. When the weather outside is frightful, staying inside where it is warm sounds like the perfect remedy. But what if your home is not keeping you warm the way it is supposed to? Ask yourself these questions:

Are your floors cold?
Do your pipes freeze routinely?
Does your heat take forever to warm up a room?
Are your energy bills higher than usual?
Do you have heating or cooling equipment?

Cold Intrudes Through Crawl Spaces

If you said yes to any of those questions, it may be time to investigate your crawl space. The crawl space can experience a plethora of problems, including letting cold air enter your home through the floor. Some other issues include moisture, flooding, mold, and pest infiltration. Thankfully, there are proven solutions to keep cold, condensation, and critters at bay.

Crawl Space Snags and Solutions

Crawl space encapsulation and crawl space insulation are two methods of protecting your home that start at the root of the problem. Unfortunately, there are some less effective options than others. For example, it is common to see fiberglass insulation used in crawl spaces; however, that material does not stop air from leaking and can absorb moisture.

That is why HomeSpec Waterproofing and Foundation Repair uses SilverGlo™ for insulating crawl space walls instead. It does stop air leaks and does not absorb moisture thanks to being made of stiff foam. HomeSpec did not forget the floor, that is where TerraBlock™ comes in. It is a flexible foam insulation that can then be covered with the same material used for encapsulation, a moisture barrier known as CleanSpace®.

All of this crawl space and product jargon can be confusing, leaving you feeling even more uncertain than when you started looking for information. HomeSpec Waterproofing and Foundation Repair specializes in basements, crawl spaces, and foundations, and they are here to help. One of HomeSpec's inspectors can visit your home and work with you based on first-hand experience.

Call [[phone]] today for more information and peace of mind.

Flooding Oak Park, MI Crawlspace Professionally Waterproofed

2024-01-05T14:57:19.05Z

To address the water getting into the crawlspace, HomeSpec recommended more than just encapsulation with CleanSpace®. The inspector proposed installing a SmartPipe™ perimeter drainage pipe, a new sump discharge, a new discharge to the existing basin, and a cover to seal the sump pump. Installing these products would capture any water and route it out of the crawlspace as well as protect the home from mold and other allergens. The homeowner approved of all of the suggestions and a crew was scheduled to come out to the house.

There were some obstacles for HomeSpec when it came time for the installation. The homeowner was more than understanding and worked with HomeSpec to get the desired repairs completed. The crew had to avoid concrete slab when burying the discharge line but were able to move the patio pavers. Additionally, HomeSpec was able to reach a creative solution to make a sealed lid out of plexiglass for the existing sump pump. The customer was happy to fix their house early in the process of making it a home the whole family could be comfortable in.

Local Michigan Family In Need Gifted Christmas Wishlist From HomeSpec Waterproofing & Foundation Repair

2023-12-22T00:00:00.05Z

HomeSpec Waterproofing & Foundation Repair is honored to have the opportunity to spread joy this holiday season! After finding out that the Detroit Police Department and Wayne County Sheriffs were gathering toys and gifts for families in need, the HomeSpec team knew they needed to get involved. The company was given the information for a local family along with their wishlist. Santa and Mrs. Claus would later accompany the DPD and sheriffs in delivering gifts to the families on a day nearing Christmas.

The goal was to get as many things from the wishlist as possible. It consisted mostly of toys and clothes for five kids all under 13 years old. The parents hoped for a coffee maker, clothes, and gift cards to grocery stores like Kroger, Walmart, Meijer, Target, and gas cards. Ultimately, what they hoped for the most was to give their family a cheerful Christmas. Both parents work very hard to provide for their family. They expressed their gratitude for anything that could be gifted.

HomeSpec announced to the employees that the company would match the total of all cash donations. For each person who donated, they wrote their name on a star with the caption, “I made a donation to help those in need.” It was an inspiring mission. Not only did HomeSpec match the donations, but the company was able to contribute enough to get higher ticket items like four bikes for the eldest siblings. They accomplished their goal of getting as much from the wishlist as possible.

There were gifts for members of the family to enjoy alone as well as gifts to share. Each of the older siblings received their own Xbox controller with unique colors to match their favorite colors. These older siblings are also very interested in sports and now have equipment like basketballs and footballs to play with together. The youngest, only 2 years old, was gifted baby toys with plenty of engaging sounds and lights. The team made certain to wrap everything, aside from the bikes, so every family member would have something to open this year. HomeSpec wishes this family and all others a merry Christmas and happy holidays.

HomeSpec Waterproofing & Foundation Repair, founded in 1994, is a family-owned business. The company specializes in work involving basement waterproofing, foundation repair, crawl space repair, and concrete repair. They serve the greater Detroit area with pride and over 25 years of experience. For more information, visit www.basementfix.com.

What is Street Creep? Here's How To Get It Fixed

2023-12-11T00:00:00.05Z

We get it – Street creep sounds a little funny. Unfortunately, the damage it causes can be serious. Street creep happens with the concrete road by your house expands and pushes against your driveway. Your driveway, in turn, pushes against itself and your home.

Because of this, many homebuilders install expansion and control joints in the driveway to offset the pressure.

Temperature fluctuations cause the street to expand and contract during different seasons. During winter months, the control joints widen and can become filled with sand, salt or gravel. During warmer months, the concrete widens. With the control joint filled with incompressible materials, the concrete pushes against the slabs next to it.

You probably won’t notice this movement as it happens about a fraction of an inch at a time. But over time, it can result in several inches of movement. This could end up pushing your driveway into your home’s foundation, making the problem much worse and way more expensive to fix.

Having a concrete repair contractor come out and diagnose street creep is the best first step in addressing the problem. Our company can put in a solution that contracts and expands with the concrete and also seals off the joint from debris.

Street creep is a problem that slowly, but surely, becomes worse over time. The sooner you take steps to address it, the less damage it will cause and the less expensive it will be.

The Importance of Protecting Your Driveway's Cracks and Joints

2023-11-21T00:00:00.05Z

What’s a Crack? What’s a Joint?

Before we start, we need to address the above questions because your driveway likely has at least one of these, if not both. First, let’s talk about the cracks that are supposed to be there: control and expansion joints.

Control joints are deliberately placed into concrete slabs to “control” their inevitable cracking. That’s because, as concrete cures, it shrinks and cracks. So rather than have cracks appear randomly, which would look pretty shabby, control joints allow the concrete to crack in a straight, ordered manner. For a driveway, this is most often done by using a trowel to make shallow grooves into the new concrete while it is still wet or with a concrete saw right after it sets. When the concrete cracks, it follows these predetermined lines, leaving your driveway slabs looking neat and ordered.

Expansion joints are wider joints that connect the driveway to the garage at the top and to the street at the bottom. As their name suggests, these exist to allow for the natural expansion of your driveway’s slabs during hotter months as the street in front of your home expands and pushes on them. However, they are often filled by the contractor with inferior materials that don’t offer much “give.”

Cracks are just that — random breaks in the concrete that have occurred over time due to uneven slab settlement or other stresses. But like control joints, they open a path for water to seep beneath the slab, which can cause the soil underneath to soften and wash away over time. This can, in turn, cause the heavy concrete slabs to sink.

Stopping Water Seepage

Preventing moisture seeping under your concrete is the primary reason for sealing your driveway’s control joints. As mentioned above, when water seeps beneath your concrete slabs, it can cause the soil beneath it to soften and compress. In some cases, it can even wash away soil, leaving empty spaces underneath. When the soil compresses or these voids appear, it can allow the heavy concrete above to sink. And as this often happens unevenly, with one part of the slab sinking faster than another, this added stress can cause uncontrolled cracking, eventually resulting in a driveway that’s uneven and unattractive. Not only does this lower your home’s curb appeal and potentially its value, but it can also present a tripping hazard that can be a liability for the homeowner.

Preventing Street Expansion

In addition to water seepage issues, there is a phenomenon known as “street creep” that can put pressure on your home’s foundation, causing severe problems down the road.

As you probably know, as materials heat and cool, they expand and contract. Concrete is not immune to this, so it’s easy to imagine this scenario: As the concrete slabs in the street in front of your home cool with the weather, they contract. This causes the joints between them to expand. These joints then become filled with grit, sand, pebbles and other incompressible materials.

Fast forward to the hot summer months. The warm weather now causes those street slabs to expand — only they can’t expand back into the joints because those are now full of grit, sand, etc. So, without the empty joints to allow for expansion, the entire street expands outward, slowly pushing up your driveway and into your home’s foundation. Scary stuff indeed!

Simple Solutions

Fortunately, there are solutions for all these issues. Sealing your driveway’s control joints with a flexible material like NexusPro® prevents water from seeping beneath the slabs and affecting the soil beneath your concrete. The sealant also prevents contamination from pebbles, grit, etc. from entering the joints which can prevent the joint from performing as intended.

It should be mentioned that silicone-based sealants like NexusPro are far superior to cheaper polyurethane-based sealers because they won’t dry and crack over time due to UV exposure.

“Street creep” can be addressed by filling the expansion joints at the top and bottom of your driveway with a thermo-rubber solution called CompressionGuard®. This proprietary solution exhibits much more elasticity than traditional expansion joint materials, allowing it to absorb the expansion of the street in front of your home and keep doing so for many years.

If you’re concerned about driveway slab settlement or street creep, talk to HomeSpec, your local NexusPro and Compression Guard dealer for a free, no-obligation inspection. We can provide a simple, inexpensive solution that’ll keep your home’s concrete looking good (and its foundation safe) for many years to come.

Five Home Improvement Projects You Should Never DIY

2023-09-19T00:00:00.05Z

If you own a home, you’ve probably tackled a DIY project before. And when a project turns out successful, it can be a wonderful feeling. But when you’re halfway through a project and realize you’re in way over your head, the feeling can approach that of sheer dread.

There are certain DIY projects anyone with even the most basic set of tools should be able to do: Fixing a running toilet, painting an interior room and putting up shelving, just to name a few. But there are definitely projects you want to leave to the professionals.

Anything but the most basic electrical projects. So, we’re not just talking about changing a lightbulb or installing a dimmer switch here. We’re talking anything that would require switching off breakers or removing fuses. The simple reason for this is the danger electrical projects present. There’s the danger of electrocution, of course — that you could be hurt or even killed if you inadvertently touch a live wire. But there’s also the lurking danger of a short that could cause a fire sometime in the future. So, if you’re thinking about wiring or rewiring anything in your home, it is best to call an electrical contractor.
Anything but the most basic plumbing projects. We mentioned fixing a running toilet earlier. That’s something you should be able to fix on your own. And a leaky faucet, too, should be a relatively simple fix for the average homeowner. But when it comes to adding new plumbing fixtures or replacing pipes, even the slightest mistake can result in leaks that can cause serious issues either immediately or later on. And let’s not forget that where there’s moisture in a home, there’s always the danger of mold. So, yes, successful plumbing projects require the kind of experience you don’t get by simply watching a couple of YouTube videos.
Taking down a Tree. You’ve got a chainsaw. You’ve cut up firewood. You may have even climbed a ladder and trimmed a few low-hanging limbs. But if you’re thinking of felling an entire tree, you need to call a certified arborist. First, they’ll be able to tell if your tree actually needs to be removed or if, in fact, it can be saved. Second, if they determine the tree requires removal, they’ll be able to do it so that there is no damage to your property or your neighbor’s. You see, most people have trouble “eyeballing” how tall a tree actually is. And it’s common for someone to misjudge a tree’s height only to have it fall onto a neighbor’s roof or car!
Window or skylight replacement. This is another project where you might watch a couple of tutorial videos and say, “How hard can it be?” Well, the answer is “pretty hard, actually.” That’s because windows must seal out cold and warm air to keep your utility bills as low as possible. More importantly, windows — and skylights, especially — need to keep out the rain during periods of inclement weather. A poorly installed window or skylight can lead to higher energy bills and leaks that cause floorboards to rot and mold to spread.
Foundation repairs. OK, this is a biggie. If your home has sagging or gapping floors, you may be tempted to head down to the basement with some shims or, worse, a bottle jack and some 2x4s, with the notion of shoring up your home’s joists. Take it from us; don’t. Just... don’t. This is your home we’re talking about. Your family. Your stuff. Your adorable labradoodle, Mabel. Everything you love rests on your home’s foundation. Fixing it yourself would be like... doing surgery on yourself instead of going to a doctor. Because if it goes wrong (and it’ll likely go wrong), it can be catastrophic. The best bet is to call a foundation repair contractor. (Don’t call a general contractor or a handyman here; you need a real expert.) They’ll be able to inspect your home and tell you exactly what’s wrong and how to fix it. Not only will this save you a lot of aggravation and stress, but it will also prevent you from losing a big chunk of the proceeds when it comes time to sell your home.

So, yes, do the little projects around the house that you can handle yourself. Maybe even graduate to slightly larger ones as you grow more confident, and your toolbox grows fuller. But leave the big projects to the pros — especially anything foundation-related. By the way, this goes double if you’re considering tackling a home improvement project with your spouse or partner. Nothing will strain a relationship to its breaking point like a good old-fashioned DIY home improvement project!

Click here to find an experienced foundation-repair dealer near you.

Above-Ground Pools and Foundation Problems

2023-08-29T00:00:00.05Z

Above-Ground Pools and Foundation Problems

Before we start, here’s a quick fact: The average 24’ x 54” above-ground pool holds approximately 15,000 gallons of water.

Ok, let’s stow that little tidbit of information for a second and talk about what causes foundation problems: Soil. Specifically, soil instability.

Why Soil Becomes Unstable

Your home is resting on many different layers of soil. Each layer has different properties, including type and moisture content. How compact or loose each layer is also varies. These layers developed over time, beginning with the Earth’s initial formation. Some soil layers were carried there and deposited by water, wind or glaciers. Today, soil layers are often formed deliberately by companies that develop land for building and home construction. They place layers of fill soil over the soil created or deposited by nature. This is done when they remove soil from hills and put it into valleys to create flat building sites.

Over time soil, whether made by humans or by nature, can become unstable, causing a structure built above it to settle and sink. Drought can cause the soil to shrink and voids to form. Fill soil that was poorly compacted initially can compress over time. And lastly, large amounts of moisture can cause soil to soften (think about stepping into a muddy field).

It’s that last point we’re going to address because it also involves that 15,000 gallons of water we mentioned earlier.

When You Have to Drain Your Above-Ground Pool

First, let’s stipulate that your above-ground pool is designed to have water in it year-round. We’re not talking about an inflatable kiddie pool, after all. But there are times when you will need to drain it, whether to address an issue or simply refresh the water every three-to-five years, as the industry recommends.

You might think you could simply open a valve and let it drain into your yard. But if you do that, the sudden influx of thousands of gallons of water can cause the soil around and under your home to soften, resulting in serious foundation problems. Your home’s foundation can sink, causing the entire structure to become untrue, which can cause issues like sloping floors, sticking doors and windows and gapping ceilings.

Worse, if you have a basement surrounded by clay soils that will expand when wet, they can create pressure on your foundation walls that can cause them to crack, bow or even shear. In the worst case, you might even experience wall failure, necessitating costly and disruptive repairs.

Draining Your Pool the Right Way

If you do have to drain your pool, it’s a good idea to contact a professional to seek their advice. Typically, they’ll have you run a hose from your pool to a sewer, so the water drains straight into the city’s sewage system. Some municipalities will allow you to drain your pool right into the street — but you need to call first to make sure. The main thing is, you really want to direct that water away from your home, so it can’t destabilize the soils that support it.

One other thing, before you drain your pool, consider that you’ll have to refill it when you’re done. That not only takes a long time, but it will also significantly impact your water bill. We’re not just talking about taking a long, hot shower here.

If you are concerned about your home’s foundation — maybe your pool’s been leaking, or you’ve had a recent spate of torrential rain — call your local foundation repair company. They’ve likely got the expertise to tell you if your home’s foundation is really sitting on solid ground.

HomeSpec Waterproofing and Foundation Repair Named in Qualified Remodeler's Top 500 List

2023-08-17T09:46:32.05Z

Westland, MI (August 9, 2023) – Qualified Remodeler, a leading publication serving remodelers and home improvement companies in the U.S., has ranked HomeSpec as the No. 208 on its 45^th annual TOP 500 remodelers of 2023. Since 1978, the QR TOP 500 has tracked the industry’s largest and fastest growing companies. In 2023, the TOP 500 represented over $16 billion in remodeling sales volume and nearly two million jobs.

HomeSpec was chosen as a 2023 Top 500 remodeler by the Qualified Remodeler editorial staff for meeting a set of criteria including installed remodeling dollar volume, total years in business, industry association membership, industry certification, industry awards and community service.

Started in 1994, HomeSpec is a family-owned business that cares about ethics, quality, and reputation. HomeSpec takes pride in their ability to remain honest, dependable, and reputable for over more than 25 years in business. They’ve bolstered that name by building an award-winning reputation and becoming a leader in the basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, foundation repair, and concrete leveling industries in Greater Detroit.

“Based on Qualified Remodeler’s analysis, the Top 500 firms tend to share several common attributes, including strong revenues, a commitment to customer service, insightful sales techniques and strong customer loyalty,” says Qualified Remodeler owner and editorial director, Patrick O’Toole. “These attributes helped put the firms on this list and contribute to their success.”

Additional information on the Top 500 can be found in the July/August issue of Qualified Remodeler and at www.qualifiedremodeler.com.

The Importance of Having an Insulated Home

2023-07-28T00:00:00.05Z

Structural Damage

Firstly, let's address the issue of structural damage. Water is one of the biggest enemies of a home's foundation. When excess moisture builds up in the basement, it can lead to a range of problems. Over time, water can cause the foundation to crack, shift, or even collapse. By utilizing products like Brightwall, or Carbon Armor, you're essentially creating a barrier that prevents water from infiltrating the foundation and this helps ensure the structural integrity of your home remains sound.

Mold and Mildew

Next, let's talk about the issue of mold and mildew. A damp basement or crawl space provides the ideal breeding ground for mold. These fungi not only cause irreparable damage to your belongings, but also pose serious health risks to you and your family. When these mold spores become airborne, they circulate throughout the house, triggering allergies, respiratory issues, and a slew of health problems. Having products like the SaniDry Sedona Dehumidifier installed in your basement, or crawl space (which it was specifically designed to fit into), prevents the moisture in the air from building up and ensures the crawl space temperature is regulated and the air is dry.

For many homeowners, the basement serves as a storage area for valuable possessions, like your family heirlooms, documents, or even electronics. Water damage and mold have the potential to irreversibly ruin these items. By implementing products like the WaterGuard Drainage System, you can ensure your basement remains dry. Traditional systems tend to clog in the “mud zone” but WaterGuard is a French drain that differentiates itself from other systems by being installed above the foundation footing. Combined with a SuperSump Plus, a sump pump capable of expelling up to 2,200 gallons of water per hour, you can sleep easier at night knowing your valuables are not in danger of being destroyed.

For the crawl space, most homeowners don't tend to pay attention to keeping it dry, until it's too late. By then, you're already experiencing the health issues associated with having a damp breeding ground for bacteria, not to mention the structural damage caused by rotting wood beams or joists. Don't fret, there's a solution for this too! The CleanSpace Encapsulation System works perfectly in crawl spaces because the puncture resistant vapor barrier encapsulates the space and prevents water from building up. Combine this with the SaniDry Sedona, and you have yourself a dry, healthy crawl space.

Property Value

Finally, let's talk about the property value of your home. Who wouldn't be excited at the opportunity to have their home jump in value? Investing in waterproofing measures not only protects your home but also increases its market value. Prospective buyers are often wary of homes with a history of water damage and you can check out our other post on it here (insert link to blog post about buying a home with water damage). By showcasing your dry and well-maintained basement, you can attract potential buyers and even command a higher selling price.

In conclusion, The benefits of basement waterproofing extend beyond preventing water damage – it increases property value, protects your belongings, and ensures the overall health of your family. Not to mention the peace of mind it provides. If you haven't considered basement waterproofing yet, it's time to give us a call and take the steps to secure your home's foundation.

Summertime Sadness, Settling Foundation Due to Drought

2023-07-06T00:00:00.05Z

How Drought Affects Your Home’s Foundation

In much of the country, summer means more than just warm weather. As the lush rains of spring give way to the hot, dry spells of late July and August, the clay soils beneath our browning lawns begin to dry up and shrink.

But it’s not just the soil beneath our lawns that’s shrinking. The soil beneath our homes is, too — particularly when dry periods extend for months (or even years, in extreme cases). And when soil shrinks, it creates voids — empty spaces into which a home’s foundation can settle.

Signs of Foundation Settlement

You might expect a sinking foundation to be obvious to the eye, but this isn’t always the case. Because a foundation tends to settle slowly, you may not notice it just by looking at your home from across the street.

However, when a foundation does settle, it typically doesn’t do so uniformly. For instance, one corner of your home may sink deeper and faster than another. This uneven settlement can often throw off a house’s geometry, so its once true and parallel frame becomes skewed. And when that happens, symptoms may appear all over the structure, including:

· Sticking windows and doors

· Sagging floors

· Floor or ceiling gaps

· Drywall cracks

· Interior cracks near window or door frames

· Separating chimneys

· Stair-step cracks in brick or block walls

So, the next time you struggle to open a window, it may not be the window that’s the problem. It could be something happening many feet below it.

The thing is, though, foundation problems don’t get better over time. And they don’t get less expensive to repair, either. But they can be fixed permanently. And, in many cases, the settling foundation can be raised back to its original position.

Solutions for Foundation Settlement

The best way to prevent a home’s foundation from sinking further is to physically connect it to bedrock or stable soil. And the best way to do that is to drive steel piers deep into the ground until they reach bedrock or competent soil and connect them to the home with heavy-duty steel brackets. Once this is done, the foundation can be raised to its original level.

Piers are essentially sections of steel tubing that are mechanically pushed into the soil until they reach bedrock or stable soil. In certain situations, specialty piers with fins, known as helical piers, are driven (literally screwed) into the soil to achieve the same stability.

(It goes without saying that piering is a major procedure and needs to be done by a company with a lot of experience.)

What if I Don’t Fix It?

Since foundations settle slowly, it can be tempting to ignore them. After all, sticking doors and sagging floors can often be chalked up to a home’s “character,” especially if it’s over 50 years old. But as mentioned earlier, foundation problems only grow worse with time. But if left unaddressed, they can eventually lead to foundation failure, which can be extremely expensive and disruptive to repair.

So, why fix it? Well, because it’s your home, for one thing. It’s where you and your family live. It’s where your memories are made. But it’s also likely your single largest financial investment, so it just makes sense to protect it. Plus, if you ever sell your home, you must disclose any foundation problems it has. And the cost of stabilizing your foundation is often much less than the financial loss you’ll take if you sell it as-is.

There’s also the matter of cost. After all, because foundation problems only grow worse with time, they’ll never be less expensive to fix than they are today.

The good news is, with modern piering technology, settling foundations can almost always be fixed permanently. But you need to have your home inspected by a reputable company with specific expertise and deep experience in this area — no “general contractors,” please!

And once your home’s foundation is stabilized and returned to its original level? Well, you’ll be sleeping soundly — no matter how hot and dry it is outside.

Major Structural Collaps Saved in New Boston, MI

2022-11-11T16:35:01.05Z

For this family, inadequate support in the crawl space caused the property to lose some value, ultimately because traditional supports are prone to water damage, wood rot, decay and other factors. To tackle the core of this issue, our crew would begin by sistering weakened joists, replacing overly damaged support beams, and finally installing our SmartJack crawl space support jacks. Engineered with galvanized steel and a special zinc coating to prevent any degradation or erosion, our SmartJack Support System ensures that the problem wouldn't repeat itself. These powerful supports, capable of lifting over 60,000 lbs. provide an ideal support solution. The SmartJack Support System can be adjusted year-round to prevent the downward movement of the laundry room floor and push it back to proper level with the rest of the home, restoring the property value back to its original condition.

After our crew installed the SmartJack Crawl Space Support System, the next step was to address the damp and cold crawl space itself. Crawl Spaces are notorious for being humid environments, fostering a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and other pests. In order to combat this, our SilverGlo Crawl Space Insulation System provides a barrier that can retain heat in the crawl space with its reflective coating, preventing the floors in the living space from getting cold. SilverGlo, our crawl space insulation system, is unlike traditional fiberglass solutions that sag and crumble due to the humidity; its waterproof nature allows it to maintain shape and insulate the floors above providing these homeowners with benefits they could reap during the upcoming winter months.

After the SilverGlo is applied to the crawl space, the final step is to seal it. The benefits of crawl space encapsulation as a long term solution with many benefits were explained to the homeowner, before our crew finalized installing the CleanSpace system. 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. Crawl space encapsulation helps seal off and separate the dirt from the ground to prevent these situations from occurring. Better air quality, fewer pest problems, and even greater energy efficiency were just some of the benefits that this family got from encapsulation. With our CleanSpace encapsulation system, manufactured with a special 7-layered material consisting of both high and low-density polyethylene to ensure both durability and flexibility, sealing the crawl space with our simple 4 step encapsulation process is an easy and effective solution to prevent moisture and debris from collecting and affecting the support systems.

Once the laundry room floor had been raised back to level and the dirt crawl space separated from the home, they were able to retain heat, prevent colder floors and save money on heating bills. Restoring their peace of mind was a top priority on this project and it showed when this family was able to see and feel the difference firsthand. They were also pleasantly surprised by the idea of saving on their energy bills, with warmer floors in the winter

House brought back to level with Helical Piers in Ubly, Mi

2022-10-21T15:56:38.05Z

Problematic disturbed soil is often a large factor in these situations. When a foundation is dug out and poured, the removed soil is replaced as backfill. Unfortunately, this process can weaken the soil around the foundation and eventually lead to problems. For many homeowners, this is an unknown source of trouble. We would propose the use of a helical pier system around the perimeter of one corner of the house as our preferred solution set for this particular case. Helical piers get their name from the helical plates along their shaft, which are capable of having extensions added as needed to reach deeper depths and help balance the load. These piers are installed under the foundation footholds with brackets, and basically screwed into the ground. The concept behind these versatile piers, is that they help serve as a medium to transfer the weight of the load from the problematic soils the home was currently utilizing, through the piers, to new load-bearing soil or bedrock. This process ultimately stabilizes the home and helps bring it back to its proper level.

Once we were finished with the installation process, the homeowner would once again conduct their "Ball test" and were satisfied to report that there were no more signs of the ball rolling down. Stability was restored to the home, and more importantly, the foundation repair issue was handled before it evolved into a far more difficult situation. This homeowner's keen eye, and thoughtfulness in having the problem handled so swiftly, was a key factor in ensuring a comfortable home for years to come.

Foundation Walls Repaired and Supported to Furnish Basement Later in Ruth, Mi

2022-10-21T15:19:03.05Z

Some problems are pretty clear will get worse; that's the thought process that a Ruth, Mi homeowner had when they noticed their foundation wall was cracking, and that the damage had spread to their windows. They knew things would only continue to get worse if they didn't get a handle on the situation, especially with the problem showing such clear signs of progression. This vertical crack in her unfinished basement needed to be addressed so they could convert the space into a bedroom for relatives moving in the following year. To that end, they began searching for a foundation repair contractor nearby who was reliable and well-reviewed. They needed to ensure their problem could be solved as soon as possible with the most effective solution possible, so that their relatives stay would be a comfortable one. That's how they originally found their way to us at HomeSpec Basementfix, as a specialist in foundation repair, basement waterproofing, concrete lifting and more.

One of our project managers specializing in foundation repair made sure to meet the client in person and hear their full story. Every situation being unique, requires the proper attention in order to properly address not only their immediate concerns, but the reasons why these problems were of particular concern. In this case, they wanted to ensure a proper living atmosphere for their relatives, and because of that they also wanted to inquire about the installation of egress windows to replace the now damaged basement windows as well. Our project manager took their request into consideration as they did a detailed inspection of the property to understand the causes of the problem, and how to best address it in their solution proposal.

Concrete Leveling Solution Puts Homeowners Mind At Ease in Richville, Mi

2022-10-21T12:57:59.05Z

We thankfully have the perfect solution for situations like this and just in time as well. We proposed the use of the PolyLevel concrete lifting system, followed by proper crack repair and joint sealant. This system consists of a process which drills tiny pea-sized holes into the concrete which would later be filled and cleaned. These holes actually serve as an access point for a powerful inject of a specially formulated polyurethane foam. The stability of any concrete surface is dependent on the soils beneath it. The weight of concrete and what it supports, combined with natural soil erosion, can lead to sunken and uneven concrete surfaces. This process affects everything from your driveway and sidewalk to roads and airport runways. As soils shift and settle for a variety of reasons including weather conditions, saturation, etc. The voids they leave behind compromise the concrete slabs above. This foam injection fills out these voids and expands as it cures to force the concrete back to the proper level.

Adjusting the density and expansive force of the 2-part foam affords a wide range of geotechnical uses. Lifting force can be adjusted by fine-tuning the chemical reaction that causes the foam to expand. An experienced applicator can factor not only the weight of the structural element but also soil characteristics and temperature and weather conditions

The cracks would be filled out with our special NexusPro solution sealants, which are proven to be weatherproof, UV-resistant and waterproof, ensuring a reliable permanent seal, that is far more trustworthy than traditional caulking.

Since the homeowner accepted the proposal the same day, they were actually offered a discount with our same day savings program on top of another discount from their family member's referral previously mentioned. All the work was able to be completed within a single evening, allowing them access to their driveway shortly after. They were elated to finally have this ongoing problem handled, with what felt like was ease.

Foundation Settlement Requires Floor Support In Peck, Mi

2022-10-21T12:37:07.05Z

A property manager who we had assisted previously with a different property they owned, reached out to us this time about some rental property they owned in Peck, Mi. This property was experiencing some problems with the foundation, they noted; it was evident that the main floor bedroom floor was sagging as well as an area near the front door. This of course, was affecting the overall value of the property, and thus hindered their business; they needed this resolved as soon as possible and resolved correctly. They had established a trusting relationship with HomeSpec Basementfix as their contractor of choice. We previously helped them with basement waterproofing needs in a different city, but this time we would be called upon as a Foundation Repair Contractor near Peck, Mi.

A project manager would be sent out who specialized in similar situations as well as general foundation repair so we could ensure the right skillset, and experience was employed for the project from start to finish. We always make it a point to have a proper discussion and develop a full understanding of the clients wants, needs, and concerns so we can best address the situation in a matter that fully satisfies whoever we work with. From there, our project manager would go through a full inspection of the property and the problem area in question and provide a free estimate and fully written proposal for a customized solution set. Through the inspection process, it was becoming clear that the foundation supports were compromised due to a settlement issue.

Water Damage Issue Was Actually A Foundation Wall Repair Problem in Owendale, Mi

2022-10-21T11:55:51.05Z

Water was getting in from an unknown source in this Ownendale, Mi family home. They weren't entirely sure of the cause or how to go about handling it; however, they did notice their basement walls bowing inwards slightly over the years. They originally thought the water may have been a waterproofing issue, but they were curious if the walls may have been a related factor. In hopes of addressing both options at once, they opted to search for a foundation repair contractor rather than one specializing in water damage repair or water damage restoration. Thankfully, they found us at HomeSpec Basementfix, where we specialize in foundation repair, basement waterproofing, and concrete repair alike!

We had an experienced project manager head to him, who specialized in foundation repair specifically as requested. Our project manager would help discuss matters with the homeowner to develop a proper understanding of the issues, concerns, and how they believe they may be connected. From there we would begin a proper inspection of the property as a whole and the trouble area as well. We ended up finding the paint over the drywall bubbling out slightly, which would help us track down the problem. It turned out that the cracks were in fact caused by the basement foundation walls bowing. This is most often caused by hydrostatic pressure; the weight of soil becoming saturated around the foundation and pushing in on the walls as water travels through the weaker disturbed soils.

Termite Surprise Affects Floor Supports in Kinde, Mi

2022-10-19T16:26:32.05Z

This homeowner in Kinde, Mi was looking forward to passing down his current home to his son; however, he ended up with an unfortunate turn of events that would delay the big surprise. That being a recent termite infestation, which though delt with, left a lot of structural damage as they chewed their way through I-beams and other wooden supports throughout the property's foundation and crawl space. The situation would have affected the rest of their home had cracks appeared in the concrete walls. A uniquely unfortunate situation that no one could have suspected. Knowing the home was built on a crawl space, they knew that was where they should most likely focus their attention. So, with that in mind, they began searching for a crawl space repair contractor that would service areas near Kinde, Mi. They also looked for a Foundation Repair specialist as well, just in case. Thankfully, they found both once they were introduced to HomeSpec Basementfix.

They would be met by one of our skilled and experienced project managers who would guide them through the inspection process as we attempted to determine the root causes and best fit solution set. After exploring the crawl space to examine the root of the foundation and flooring support problem, we would go on to explain to the homeowner that due to the nature and degree of the damage to the supports in the crawl space the main beam would need to be replaced entirely and proper crawl space supports would need to be implemented to restore structural integrity to the home as a whole.

HomeSpec BasementFix Named in Qualified Remodeler's Top 500 List

2021-09-01T16:58:32.05Z

HomeSpec BasementFix was named in Qualified Remodeler Magazine's Top 500 List AGAIN in 2021 for being one of the top performing contractors in the nation! The list is based off of the company's annual revenue in 2020 and exists to honor the top remodeling and home improvement firms in the country.

Qualified Remodeler is the leading media brand that is catered to the remodeling/home improvement industry trades. Their website says, "Qualified Remodeler serves the business information needs of owners and executives with news, new products, business best practices and design ideas."

HomeSpec BasementFix has made it onto their prestigious list for several years in a row now - but we are just as excited about it as the first time! Our business is growing, and so is the list of happy customers that we help every single day.

This accomplishment was only made possible by our amazing team who work tirelessly to promote and uphold HomeSpec's values revolved around trust, dignity, respect and family. Our team members always strive to provide homeowners with the highest quality home repairs for a fair price.

We would also like to thank the homeowners who trusted us with their homes and worked with us to create long-lasting repair solutions.

HomeSpec BasementFix Earns 2020 Angie's List Super Service Award

2021-01-25T16:28:22.05Z

HomeSpec BasementFix is proud to announce that it has earned the home service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award (SSA). This award honors service professionals who have maintained exceptional service ratings and reviews on Angie’s List in 2020.

“Despite the enormous challenges facing our service pros throughout 2020, our Angie’s List Super Service Award winners continued to provide exceptional customer service,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “These outstanding businesses have helped homeowners not only maintain their homes, but also evolve them into safe and comfortable spaces that can handle all the mess of life, work, school and entertainment under one roof. Our homeowners’ consistent positive reviews make it clear: these are the best pros in our network.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2020 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include maintaining an exceptional rating in overall grade, recent grade and review period grade. The SSA winners must be in good standing with Angie’s List and undergo additional screening.

Service company ratings are updated continually on Angie’s List as new, verified consumer reviews are submitted. Companies are rated in multiple fields ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

For over two decades Angie’s List has been a trusted name for connecting consumers to top-rated service professionals. Angie’s List provides unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

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HomeSpec BasementFix Wins BBB Torch Award for Ethics

2021-01-22T16:41:05.05Z

The Better Business Bureau of Eastern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula is proud to recognize HomeSpec BasementFix as a recipient of the 2020 Torch Awards, honoring the highest standards in ethics.

“This was a very competitive year for our Torch Awards for Ethics,” said Melanie Duquesnel, president and CEO, Better Business Bureau of Eastern Michigan. “All of our applicants had impressive applications, but our six recipients stood out amongst their fellow finalists.” It is wonderful to be able to award businesses for their hard work in putting ethics at the forefront.”

One of the judges said that HomeSpec has "the most comprehensive and innovative leadership and management standards." That judge chose HomeSpec out of 10 applicants, including two businesses that were national or international companies.

Winners in five categories, based on company size, were announced during a virtual ceremony, December 9, 2020. To view the awards ceremony, click here.

ABOUT BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

BBB Serving Eastern Michigan is a non-profit organization with the purpose of promoting an ethical marketplace and creating a community of trustworthy businesses and charities. BBB provides objective advice, BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million companies, 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. Better Business Bureau provides its services free to the public in its service area that spans the eastern half of the Lower Peninsula from Jackson county, north through central Michigan to Alpena and includes the entire Upper Peninsula. Visit bbb.org for more information.

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