For some people who are looking to purchase a home, a newly constructed home is their dream. The thought of purchasing a home that may need tedious upgrades or fixes, or extensive renovations to fit their specific wants may not be something they’re willing to undergo. Having a new home is a very exciting endeavor, and comes with its own challenges to complete the project initially. However, once the initial construction is complete, and you are moved in, there are plenty of other aspects that still need to be on your radar – namely, ongoing foundation maintenance.
Similar to other items that need routine maintenance (a vehicle, an A/C unit, etc), new homes DO need foundation maintenance year-round. This not only keeps them in good condition, but also to ensures there are no underlying issues that could pop up. Take a minute to review Tips For Maintaining Your Foundation. Following these simple guidelines can be helpful.
Can You Do Foundation Maintenance Yourself On Your New Home?
Yes, there are aspects of foundation maintenance on a new home that the homeowner can certainly do themselves, such as periodically watering their foundation. However, the evaluation portion of the maintenance should always be conducted by foundation repair contractors. These professionals can accurately diagnose any issues you may find, or even uncover problems that may have appeared non-problematic to the untrained eye.
Foundation Maintenance Tasks for New Homes
Here are some foundation maintenance tasks the homeowner can complete year-round, with the understanding that they should confirm their findings with a professional:
*Periodically watering your foundation
The frequency is location-dependent, as well as determined by what type of soil your foundation/home is placed on (such as expansive clay soil)
*Monitoring the home (exterior and interior) for new cracks
These can be found on the walls or along the floor.
*Checking your drainage systems
Are they clogged? Are they directing water directly toward your foundation or away?
* Checking to see if foliage or trees are growing too close to the base of the home.
You could potentially have a moisture issue with invading roots drying out the surrounding soil, or in extreme cases, upheaval due to large roots.
Foundation Settling in New Homes
One reason to recruit the expertise of foundation contractors in Arlington or DFW metroplex specifically refers to new construction homes. Foundation settling is frequently seen with these new builds, but homeowners more often than not will not be able to diagnose this as normal settling or the start of a more serious issue. By calling in the experts, they can verify whether the foundation is settling as it is supposed to, or if there are problems that need to be addressed.
It is a great practice to work with your local foundation repair company to set up routine foundation maintenance or evaluations. Contact HD Foundations today to schedule an evaluation!