Replace or Repair Foundation
We can perform a comprehensive inspection of your foundation, providing a professional consultation and a written cost quote.
Get Your Free EstimateShould I Repair My Foundation Or Replace It?
Many homeowners feel that if their foundation is cracked or damaged, the logical thing to do is to replace it. However, as with most home repairs, it’s important to consider ALL your options if you want to get the most for your money and the least disruption of daily family life.
Whether you choose to repair or replace the foundation, this is a job you’ll only want to take care of once. The most important thing is to find an effective, permanent solution from a contractor you can trust.
At Foundation Systems of Michigan, we’d like to help you find the best solution to your foundation problem. We can perform a comprehensive inspection of your foundation, providing a professional consultation and a written cost quote.
Call or e-mail us today to schedule your free quote! We proudly serve Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, Saginaw, Traverse City, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Muskegon, Jackson, Troy, Bloomfield Hills, Sterling Heights, Charlevoix, Flint, Clio, Gaylord, Madison Heights, Midland, Lexington, Mt. Pleasant, Adrian, and the surrounding areas in Michigan.
What’s Causing My Foundation Problem?
In a nutshell, foundation settlement is the movement your home experiences when the soil beneath it shrinks, settles, or can no longer support the structure’s weight.
Changes that occur in those soils — such as drying & shrinking, wetting & softening, compacting and swelling — all affect the stability, strength and overall condition of your foundation.
A foundation with bowing, buckling walls is demonstrating the damage caused by expansive soils. When clay-rich soils absorb moisture, their volume increases dramatically.
This can increase pressure on your home’s foundation walls by thousands of pounds, causing walls to bow and buckle inward.
A home that is experiencing foundation issues is not likely to get better on its own. As the constant cycle of wet and dry periods continues, your home is likely to experience damage on a continuing basis.The sooner the problem is addressed, the better.
The different types of soil around a foundation will behave in different ways as temperature and moisture conditions change, possibly affecting the condition of the foundation.
Foundation Replacement
With total foundation replacement, heavy equipment is brought in to totally excavate the soil around your home and expose the foundation.
Anything around the foundation — such as porches, steps, gardens, walkways, and foliage — would be removed.
The house would need to be “jacked up” on temporary supports as the foundation walls and slab floor and are removed. After the new foundation is built, the house is lowered into place, the soil is replaced and the landscape details are restored as much as possible.
This process is disruptive, time-consuming, and much more expensive than foundation repair.
Foundation Repair
Following a thorough foundation inspection, the foundation repair contractor will explain how and why the damage occurred, and how specialized materials and techniques can be used to make permanent repairs.
There are a variety of solutions that can be applied. If you have buckling foundation walls, for example, foundation wall anchors may be suggested as the solution. Foundation settlement issues are often solved with foundation piers.
Foundation repair can be performed year-round, and many repairs just take a day to complete. Our foundation products include a 25-year written warranty, as well as our own performance warranty.
More about our foundation repair products.
An article from Consumer Reports has shown that an alarming 15% of new homes constructed also experience structural problems.
These problems generally have two causes: poor construction quality, and homes built on poorly compacted fill soils.
Repair The Foundation Or Replace It?
While there are some extreme cases where a foundation just can’t be fixed, we recommend repairing the foundation whenever possible.
Not only is choosing to total foundation replacement extremely disruptive and expensive, it doesn’t address the source of the problem: your foundation soils.
Since you’ve built a new foundation on the same troublesome soil, you can expect the same behavior from that soil — the kind that will “break” your new foundation just like it did the old one!
What Makes Foundation Repair Better?
A reliable foundation contractor will do more than simply repair a damaged foundation. Their repair strategy will take problematic soils and site conditions into consideration so that the original problems cannot recur.
Wall anchors reach beyond foundation walls, using the soils outside of your foundation to anchor the walls and counteract inward pressure.
FAQs
Sometimes it feels only natural to fix the issue with your driveway, by removing the slab altogether and replacing it with a new one. That’s sometimes the only way to go when the damage is too great. However, it’s not always the case and a lot of the time, the right repair can do the trick.
Replacement
There are two main considerations to take into account when contemplating replacing the driveway: the cost and the time it takes to do it. The existing concrete needs to be broken up and removed using heavy machinery. In some cases, that means digging in your yard and that’s messy and loud. All of this happens before you actually get to pour new concrete.
The cost of replacing the concrete can be quite high as well. It depends on how large the driveway is and what underlying issue has caused it to sink in the first place. That needs to be addressed first so that the new slab isn’t affected by it as well. Replacing the concrete will take about two to three times longer than lifting it. That said, it’s still sometimes necessary to do it.
Repair
Unlike replacing, the repairs are addressing the root cause of the issue and fixing it. That means that it’s also a solution for any future concrete trouble that may come up. All of this is done without the need to remove the concrete and cause a mess in the yard. All it takes are a few small drill holes. The repair done using PolyRenewal will take a few hours to complete.
This option is a bit more costly than the traditional mudjacking, but it’s an advanced product you’re paying for and it’s worth the difference. It’s still much less expensive than replacing the sidewalk altogether. It’s a long-lasting solution meaning that you only need to pay once and you get your sidewalk as it once was.
The cost for foundation repairs varies based on multiple elements, including the severity of damage and the products employed. For a precise quote, reach out to Foundation Systems of Michigan. We offer free inspections and estimates, transparent cost structures, and versatile payment options.
Typically, yes, it is possible to stay in your home. However, the scope of necessary repairs might necessitate temporary relocation. Rest assured, a Foundation Systems of Michigan inspector will assist you every step of the way and provide optimal advice tailored to your situation.
Leah Leitow
WHY CHOOSE US?
Since 2007, Foundation Systems of Michigan has been Michigan’s most trusted foundation repair contractor. We have grown and continue to grow as a leader in the industry because of our outstanding reputation. We have earned this reputation year after year, one job at a time, and we work hard every day to maintain that reputation. We don’t just fix foundations – we help people. Restoring your peace of mind, and protecting your home.
Our Customers Trust Us
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Marco M., Mario S. and Jordan R. did a really nice job waterproofing our basement. They took great care masking off the work area to keep…
Marco M., Mario S. and Jordan R. did a really nice job waterproofing our basement. They took great care masking off the work area to keep the dust down, we’re great with communicating what was happening and left a clean workspace. Thank you!
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Marc was very knowledgeable. He took the time to address all of my concerns, answered my questions to the best of his ability and shared…
Marc was very knowledgeable. He took the time to address all of my concerns, answered my questions to the best of his ability and shared his recommendation using a detailed diagram he drew up on the spot. I am very impressed with his professionalism and attention to detail. I would highly recommend Marc.
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The Rochester branch contacted me after the Livonia branch wasted my time for a month. Their crew came out to complete my job within 24…
The Rochester branch contacted me after the Livonia branch wasted my time for a month. Their crew came out to complete my job within 24 hours of original contact after learning about the issues from the other branch.Nate and Noah were courteous and professional, and were both very apologetic about the way the other branch had treated me. They completed the job in a timely fashion and throughly cleaned up afterward. It was clear they take pride in their work and in the FSM brand.My concrete slab was sinking in a few places in my house, causing significant separation between my base boards and floor. FSM was able to stabilize my floors and move them back up to their original locations. I am very happy with the results
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Tim H. inspected our basement and offered several options to fix our water issues. He was very knowledgeable. He explained everything well…
Tim H. inspected our basement and offered several options to fix our water issues. He was very knowledgeable. He explained everything well and answered all of my questions. No high pressure sales, and I really appreciate that.
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I had a appointment with Kyle. He gave me lot of info on how I Can keep my basement dry. He was friendly. I think I will go with them.
I had a appointment with Kyle. He gave me lot of info on how I Can keep my basement dry. He was friendly. I think I will go with them.
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Marc is the best hands down.
Marc is the best hands down.
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Eric was our service rep and did a thorough job of inspecting our crawl space encapsulation. His professionalism and explanation of our…
Eric was our service rep and did a thorough job of inspecting our crawl space encapsulation. His professionalism and explanation of our service plan and condition of the crawl space was simple and efficient. It was a pleasure doing business with him.
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David T, Don D, & Chris H made this experience so easy and they were so knowledgeable. I was nervous to even start quoting companies but…
David T, Don D, & Chris H made this experience so easy and they were so knowledgeable. I was nervous to even start quoting companies but they made it easy, quick, and comfortable. I felt very confident with my choice and the work they completed. Highly recommend.
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Nathan Pierce and Noah W. Did a fantastic job! On time and explained the complete process. Very considerate and responsive.
Nathan Pierce and Noah W. Did a fantastic job! On time and explained the complete process. Very considerate and responsive.
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After superior service in our home over the last two years (foundation repairs that include installation of helical piers, jacks, and…
After superior service in our home over the last two years (foundation repairs that include installation of helical piers, jacks, and encapsulation), Austin West completed a service visit. Austin arrived as scheduled, he took the time to discuss the project and our specific needs, and he performed high quality work. Austin thoroughly explained the condition of our space before he left. Thank you to Austin and Groundworks of MI!
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Working with Dan Heath was excellent. He came, assessed our issue and sat down to go over his findings. He is very knowledgeable, explained …
Working with Dan Heath was excellent. He came, assessed our issue and sat down to go over his findings. He is very knowledgeable, explained everything in great detail and showed us what set FSM apart from other companies. He went through everything in great detail on how to prepare and set up for crew to come in and work. I also want to point out how nice and enthusiastic the crew was. They worked a very hard, long day and were polite and kind the whole day despite the cold temperatures. I have already recommended the company to others as we are very satisfied with the process from initial assessment to completed work.
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Jason r and Chad D were excellent and a asset it to the company
Jason r and Chad D were excellent and a asset it to the company
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I had the nicest crew come out. Daniel S, Ethan N, and Jacob C did a great job on our foundational repair. Very professionally done and…
I had the nicest crew come out. Daniel S, Ethan N, and Jacob C did a great job on our foundational repair. Very professionally done and taken care of in a half day! Great job guys!!!
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FSM was recommended to me for basement waterproofing. Joe came out to do a very thorough inspection and I was very impressed by his…
FSM was recommended to me for basement waterproofing. Joe came out to do a very thorough inspection and I was very impressed by his knowledge and level of detail during the walk through. By the time he left I had a very clear picture of the condition of my basement and the areas where water has affected my 80+ year old home.
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We had our free estimate and plan drawn up and Simon Watson was very knowledgeable about what we needed. There was no pressure and even…
We had our free estimate and plan drawn up and Simon Watson was very knowledgeable about what we needed. There was no pressure and even though we usually don’t agree to services for 24 hours, we did sign up and are excited to have our patio fixed.
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FSM did a wonderful job. DeCovon S. Kept me up to date on all the work. Martin H and Dewayne L were efficient and courteous. I am very…
FSM did a wonderful job. DeCovon S. Kept me up to date on all the work. Martin H and Dewayne L were efficient and courteous. I am very impressed.
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John was very knowledgeable and very helpful. He suggested alternative option before I were to hire his company.. I would recommend, and I…
John was very knowledgeable and very helpful. He suggested alternative option before I were to hire his company.. I would recommend, and I will use again if necessary.
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I already submitted a rating and short evaluation but the work was finished in two stages because of a missed communication on leakage from …
I already submitted a rating and short evaluation but the work was finished in two stages because of a missed communication on leakage from the base of a chimney. The oversight was quickly remedied and the additional work was neatly finished.
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We hired FSM to spray foam insulate our crawl space and install a dehumidifier to help with the dampness in that area. All four workers,…
We hired FSM to spray foam insulate our crawl space and install a dehumidifier to help with the dampness in that area. All four workers, Jalen, DeShawn, Reggie, and Jamont were very helpful, friendly and professional. I would highly recommend FSM for any of your foundation work!
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Tim Hooper did a great job of providing a solution to the problem. The installation team came did a great job of getting it all installed…
Tim Hooper did a great job of providing a solution to the problem. The installation team came did a great job of getting it all installed and it is working great. Thank you Tim and Thank you Groundworks.
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Our Locations
32985 Schoolcraft Road
Livonia, MI 48150
5985 Clay Avenue SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
2817 Bond St.
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
5555 Airport Hwy
Toledo, OH 43615
3805 Elmers Industrial Drive
Traverse City, MI 49685