We get it. There are enough unknowns going on right now. We don’t need to increase our exposure when it comes to making sure our home and in particular, the home’s foundation is performing well. There is no reason to be taking extra risks right now.
People often ask if we can evaluate a previous repair. In our business, that is difficult to do - even when you have all of the installation data and repair plan. So many do not realize it is not so much whether or the repairs were done right, rather were they the right repairs in the first place. It’s important to hit the target in the bullseye, however it is more important to pick the right target in the first place.
There is no reason to be taking extra risks right now.
The last thing a Homeowner needs is to spend hard earned money on repairs only to find out that they were not the repairs that were needed. Or that the repairs that were really needed were not addressed. How can you really know?
Well the first thing to know is who determines what repairs need to be done? In the foundation repair industry, that usually means a commissioned salesperson. That salesperson typically has no formal engineering education in structural or geo-mechanics and is paid a commission on everything he or she can find wrong and sell. Accurately identifying the foundation problem may not be the average foundation salesperson’s first priority.
In the Foundation Repair Industry, needed repairs are often determined by commissioned salespeople.
What if you could find an engineer with 5 years education in structural or geotechnical studies, and licensed and regulated by the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration? Someone who does not get a commission for any scope of work sold? Someone who works with a team of professionals all focused on making the right diagnoses and the right repairs to match that diagnoses?
We have built such a team here at Arizona Foundation Solutions. A whole system, software and support built to do just the things we are talking about. So the question is - why would you take chances with anything but using a licensed engineering team to diagnose the structural issues in your home?
The engineer reviewing a foundation repair plan for permitting is only measuring pier spacing, not actual repair needs.
I know, I know… the sales guy said they “would have the project reviewed by an engineer prior to getting permits”. However, this is simply a city mandated calculation for pier spacing and not a diagnosis of the condition and recommendation to address it. Hard to believe, right? The engineer reviewing a foundation repair plan for permitting is only measuring pier spacing, not actual repair needs.
They may tell you that they ran their plan by an engineer they know and got his approval; however, there is no such thing. That is called ‘rubber stamping’ and no engineer would ever do it… at least not an engineer worth their salt.
So, while we are all trying make sense of the world and not take unnecessary risks, let makes sure we engage the right people and solutions in all aspects of our lives – from telecommuting, to grocery shopping and even foundation repair.
Avert unnecessary risks and have it done right the first time.
