Category Archives: home foundation repair

Home Foundation Repair and Home Value: How Fixing Your Foundation Can Boost Property Resale

November 16, 2023 Matt Taylor Leave a comment

The foundation is the backbone of your home, providing stability and support to the entire structure. When issues arise with the home foundation, it can have a significant impact on the safety and integrity of your home which will affect its resale value.

However, there are ways you can invest in your home foundation repair that can boost your property’s resale value:

Foundation of Property Value. Before getting into home foundation repair issues on resale value, understand the foundational role that a strong and stable foundation plays in the real estate market. Potential buyers, inspectors, and appraisers pay close attention to the structural integrity of a home. A compromised foundation raises red flags and may turn away prospective buyers.
Common Foundation Issues and Effects. Several issues such as settling, cracks, or water damage. These problems can manifest in many ways, including uneven floors, doors that don’t close properly, or cracks in the walls. These issues affect the safety and livability of the home, but they also impact its perceived value in the real estate market.
Boosting Curb Appeal and First Impressions. The exterior appearance of a home is a major factor in attracting buyers. Home foundation repair issues can lead to visible damage, such as cracks in the exterior walls or an uneven foundation. Investing in foundation repair, you enhance your home’s curb appeal and make a positive first impression.
Increasing the Lifespan of Your Home. Prospective buyers are concerned about the long-term durability and maintenance requirements of a property. Addressing foundation issues demonstrates that you have taken proactive steps to maintain and care for your home. This assurance increases buyer confidence, as they are more likely to view the property as a sound investment with fewer unexpected maintenance costs.
Enhancing the Selling Points of Your Home. A stable foundation allows for a more seamless and appealing presentation of your home’s selling points. For example, a home with a secure foundation is more likely to feature open floor plans, large windows or expansive outdoor spaces without the distraction of structural issues.
Navigating the Appraisal Process. During the home appraisal process, appraisers consider various factors, including the condition of the home’s foundation. Foundation issues can lower the home’s appraised value, affecting the amount that potential buyers can secure through financing.
Building Trust with Buyers. Buyers will feel confident in their decision when purchasing a home with a solid foundation. Documentation of recent home foundation repairs and warranties can reassure buyers that the issues have been addressed by professionals. This transparency builds trust and may make buyers more willing to pay a premium for a home with a reliable foundation.
Adding Value to Your Neighborhood. The condition of your home’s foundation contributes to the overall value of your neighborhood. Homes with well-maintained foundations create a positive perception of the community, attracting buyers who are willing to invest in a neighborhood known for its well-kept properties.
Choosing the Right Foundation Repair Solutions. When considering home foundation repair, work with experienced professionals to assess the specific issues affecting your home and recommend appropriate solutions. You may need underpinning, drainage improvements or crack repairs. The correct repairs can address current issues. It may also prevent future problems, adding long-term value to your investment.

Investing in home foundation repair is a strategic decision that can enhance its resale value. You can make your home more attractive to potential buyers and contribute to the overall value and desirability of your neighborhood. Don’t wait until foundation problems become a major concern; take proactive steps to secure your home’s foundation and maximize its resale potential.

M Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home foundation to see if you have any home structural issues. Call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or email matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations, and then do any needed repairs quickly and efficiently.

We serve Montgomery County, MD, parts of Prince George’s, MD, and Howard County, MD.

Foundation Repair, home drainage system, home foundation repair

Home Foundation Repair: Five Signs You May Need Mold Remediation

June 12, 2023 Matt Taylor Leave a comment

Your home foundation’s structural integrity is crucial for your home and your lifestyle.

However, home foundation issues can lead to water infiltration, creating a perfect environment for mold growth. Mold damages your property and poses health risks to you and your family. ***

So, here are five signs that indicate you may need mold remediation or home foundation repair:

Persistent Musty Odor. This is one of the most common signs. A damp, earthy smell may be detected in certain areas of your home such as the basement or crawl spaces may be an indication of mold. Even if you can’t see any visible signs of mold, the odor alone suggests that there may be hidden mold colonies present, likely caused by moisture seeping through foundation cracks.
Visible Mold Growth. Mold can appear as black, green, or brown patches on surfaces such as walls, ceilings, or floors. Pay close attention to areas where moisture is likely to accumulate, such as around pipes, windows, or damp basements. If you see any mold growth, it’s crucial to take immediate action to prevent it from spreading further.
Water Stains or Discoloration. These stains may indicate a water intrusion problem, which leads to mold growth. These stains appear as dark patches or yellowish-brown discoloration.
Allergic Reactions or Respiratory Issues. Mold spores can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues, particularly in individuals with sensitivities or pre-existing respiratory conditions. If you or your family members experience frequent coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, or worsening asthma symptoms when spending time in certain areas of your home, it could be a result of mold growth.
Cracks or Leaks in the Foundation. Leaks provide an entry point for moisture, leading to mold growth. Inspect the foundation walls, floors, and basement for any visible cracks or signs of water infiltration. Pay attention to areas where water pools or drips, as this can create a conducive environment for mold. If you notice any foundation issues, contact a licensed home foundation repair contractor to inspect the property.

Mold growth is a common consequence of home foundation issues, and it poses serious risks to both your property and your health. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above take immediate action. Mold remediation should be an integral part of your home foundation repair to ensure the long-term stability and safety of your property.

Consult with a professional home foundation repair contractor and a mold remediation company to assess the extent of the problem and develop a comprehensive plan to address both the home foundation issues and mold growth. By taking proactive steps, you can protect your home, preserve its value, and safeguard the well-being of your family.

M. Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home foundation and recommend repairs, if needed to prevent future mold growth. They can also work with a mold remediation team to make sure that your foundation is sealed. Call (301) 649-3406 or email matt@mtaylorenterprise.com for a free consultation.

We serve the Montgomery County, Maryland area.

*** You can find out more about mold and the health hazards it poses at the Health Line website.

Foundation Repair, home contractor, home foundation repair

What You Should Look for in a Home Foundation Repair Contractor

February 27, 2023 Matt Taylor Leave a comment

You just recently inspected your home foundation repair. It is desperately in need of repair. You look up local home foundation repair contractors in your area. Now, you have found a list of possible contractors you can hire. Now, what do you do?

There are several essential criteria you should look for in a home foundation repair contractor. So, before you hire one, consider these points:

Understand the basics of home foundation repair: This will assure you that you locate a quality contractor. If you don’t understand the basics of your home’s foundation and potential issues, you may fall for the charlatans (and I know them well) and you won’t be able to accurately assess whether the contractor can solve your home foundation issues. Research how a strong foundation works and how they are repaired. Find out why foundations crumble and learn whether it is water damage, age, or terrain. Find out why your home foundation is cracking or settling. Once you find out this important information, you can find a credible contractor to do the work.
Find out if they have the proper licenses. Make sure that your home foundation contractor has the correct licenses to do the repairs. An unlicensed home foundation contractor can cause even more damage! Their mistakes and negligence could cost you much more money and add stress. In Maryland, the home foundation contractor must have an MHIC. The Maryland Home Improvement Commission licenses and regulates home improvement contractors. According to the commission, “Home improvement work includes alteration, remodeling, repair or replacement of a building or part of a building used as a residence.” *** Never hire a home foundation contractor who doesn’t have an MHIC license that is current and in good standing.
Liability and Workman’s Comp Insurance. Confirm that your home foundation contractor has general liability insurance to cover any injuries that may occur to the workers and you. If they do not have liability coverage, then you could be responsible for damages. (Although, this is not a given as most homeowners policies will not cover contractors working on a home.) Your home foundation contractor should also carry a workman’s compensation. It is required in Maryland. Before you hire them, have them show you all the insurance documents. They should have them readily available in their portfolio.
Establish a budget. Even if they are reliable home foundation contractors, they may not be affordable. So, set up a budget and let the contractor know that this is the money you can spend. Understand the average cost of a foundation repair to get started. It may cost on average $6,000, but prices vary in the DMV area. If you understand the damage to your home foundation, you can set up a reasonable budget. You can also find lenders for that amount.
Get references. Your prospective home foundation contractor should have pages of references. There should also be references on their social media channels. If they have no references, stay away.
Schedule an inspection with the home foundation repair contractor that you have chosen. The home foundation contractor should analyze the issue, recommend an action, quote the cost of the repair, and give you a timeline.

Finding a home foundation repair contractor, especially if this is the first time you’ve had to do it, can be intimidating. If you follow the above steps, you should be able to find the best and most qualified contractor who will do the job correctly.

M Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home foundation to see if you have any issues. Call our home foundation repair and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs quickly and efficiently.

We serve Montgomery County, MD, parts of Prince George’s, MD, and Howard County, MD.

*** For more information on the MHIC, visit the State of Maryland Department of Labor website.

crawl space repair, home foundation repair

Should I Care About My Crawl Space This Summer?

June 24, 2022 Matt Taylor Leave a comment

Summer is here and it is going to be a scorcher in Central Maryland this year. ***

And, of course, as a home foundation repair contractor, I’m thinking about your crawl space. The summer can bring damp conditions which means mold growth. This could be harmful to both your home and your health.

So, before the summer gets hotter, you may want to get your crawl space inspected as there are three things to consider.

Dirt and moisture cause wood rot which is a hotbed for mold growth and threatens the health and safety of your family. High humidity also causes porous concrete to absorb moisture from the air.
Moisture also damages the insulation in the crawl space and will stop the crawl space from being warm, particularly if it’s fiberglass. Fiberglass soaks up moisture as the insulation material soaks water and becomes weighed down. Soon, it will sag and fall off.
Warm air rises and enters the crawl space during the summer months. Once the air moves, a vacuum begins, and air moves to replace it. About half of this air gets into your home. So, if your crawl space air is musty and has mold spores, dust mites, or pollutants, your indoor environment will be adversely affected. Many people experience allergies, coughing, asthma, and itchy eyes.
Moisture damages the insulation in the crawl space. It may not be warm then. The fiberglass becomes heavy as it is soaked with water. It sags and eventually falls off.
When the crawl space is damp, the wood becomes wet, it rots, bends, and breaks. Thus, the entire support structure fails.
The Central Maryland summer humidity also causes moisture levels to rise. The crawl space becomes a hotbed for condensation as warm and hot air collides with the cool air. Water droplets form on the crawl space floor and walls. Thus, the humidity levels increase to scorching hot levels.

In spite of all the problems your crawl space could have, there are some basic solutions you and your crawl space repair contractor can do to mitigate it. They can install sealing vents and/or insulating it may keep your home living conditions comfortable. You can also keep your south-facing windows closed. Additionally, close your curtains and/or blinds. A dehumidifier cleans and filters the air, too.

If you are having issues with your home comfort, you may need crawl space repair. Contact M. Taylor Enterprise for an inspection. We will analyze it and make recommendations. Our experienced crawl space repair team can make the necessary repairs. Call (301) 649-3406 or at matt@mtaylorenterprise.com for a free consultation.

We serve the Montgomery County, Maryland area.

*** You can find out more about summer weather at the State of Maryland website.

Foundation Repair, home foundation repair

Seven Reasons You Should Repair Your Home Foundation in 2022

February 28, 2022 Matt Taylor Leave a comment

Central Maryland is usually frigid cold this time of year. Most people are staying inside until the warmer weather arrives in late March. It’s a good time to stay inside and be cozy, for sure.

In spite of the cold, it’s a good time to put on a heavy coat, step outside, and visually inspect your home foundation. Over the past year, there may have been changes in your home foundation which may require repairs.

So, as you inspect your home foundation, here are some reasons you may need to repair it this year:

Cracks on walls: These cracks would be obvious. They may be hairline or wide cracks. They can be seen along the walls or floors of your home.

Doors or windows that won’t close all the way: If your inside doors stick out or drag at the top, or your windows won’t close or are uneven the home foundation has settled.
Dank odors: Excessive wetness on floors may be due to a foundation that is settled or cracked. Moisture on the basement floor comes from water seepage in the foundation or poor drainage.
Uneven Floors. Foundation issues may be evident from your floors being uneven. You will notice floorboards that are not even or tile that is loose or pilling. Basement walls are bowing: This occurs when water pressure from the outside has caused your walls to bend inward.
Sagging crawl space floors: Your crawl space should be strong and have some room to inspect. If it is sagging or bending, you are having foundation issues.
Leaning chimneys: Chimneys should never move. However, when your foundation is sinking, they begin to lean. This is not only unsightly but can be dangerous as it could fall and cause injuries or property damage.
Sinking front porches and stoops: Porches begin to sink as the home foundation sinks. If there is a stoop, it will also sink. Water seepage also causes this issue.
Overall water intrusion or damage: Water makes its way into many places in a home when the home foundation is settling. It may pool in drains, sunken spots in the flooring, basement floors, and other locations. This pooling of water may also draw insects such as mosquitos.

If you have seen one or any number of these home foundation red flags, you need to contact an experienced home foundation repair contractor for a consultation. Failure to correct or repair these home foundation issues may have the “Domino Effect” as it may lead to other property damage. Please don’t delay!

M Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home foundation to see if you have any basement waterproofing issues. Call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs done quickly and efficiently. We serve Montgomery County, MD, parts of Prince Georges, MD and Howard County, MD.

Foundation Repair, home foundation repair

An Inspection Checklist for Your Home Foundation for 2022

December 20, 2021 Matt Taylor 1 Comment

Christmas is only a few days away. You have probably used a checklist for the presents you want to get or have gotten already.

But, when it comes to your home foundation, have you created an inspection checklist? Leave it to the home foundation repair contractor to think of that!

Anyway, as the New Year arrives, it’s a good time to take fifteen minutes out of your day off to inspect your home foundation. Here are some things you should look for:

Walk around the exterior of your home: Inspect the foundation walls by looking up and down from one end. See if any areas bulge or lean. This may indicate an uneven load on the foundation as both the foundation walls and home walls should be flush and level. See if there are any water stains or cracks in the concrete. Pools of water can cause the soil to shift and wood to rot. This means that there may be broken pipes in the home. Horizontal cracks also may indicate stress on the foundation.
Walk around the interior of your home: Inspect for any cracks or separations. Look for bulges in the walls. See if any walls are leaning or if they are out of place due to shifting foundations. See if the floors are sloping over the length of the home when there are larger soil shifts. Roll a tennis ball or basketball to see if it rolls when placed on the floor.
Inspect doors and windows: If they open and close without a struggle, you should be okay. If your home foundation is shifting, windows and doors will often begin to have difficulty opening or closing. They will jam shut or cannot be opened.
Inspect your water pipes: Check the pipes inside and outside your home for leaks and moisture.
Look at the home foundation: Inspect closely the concrete, or helical piers should not be unstable. Make sure they are level, not buckling and in good condition. Look for rust, which shows that there is moisture in the basement or crawl space.

If you have found cracks, stains or moisture, you may have a home foundation problem. Consult with a home foundation repair contractor right away. Failure to do so now, may cost your much more in the near future. Make the New Year Resolution to repair your home foundation to protect your family and investment!

concrete repair, home foundation repair

Concrete Repair 101: How you repair a concrete home foundation

November 22, 2021 Matt Taylor Leave a comment

As we have discussed in this blog many times, it is common to have structural damage in your home’s foundation. *** It may be an older home or a newer home. It doesn’t matter as damage from aging, weather or even poor workmanship can occur and the need to repair the concrete is immediate to protect it from further damage.

So, if you see cracks in the interior or exterior walls, you have home foundation damage. Other signs include uneven floors in the garage or basement. Windows that do open or close properly or there are gaps between the doors and door frames. (This includes garage doors.)

We have several methods to repair your concrete home foundation. Those methods include:

Helical pier underpinning
Carbon fiber straps
House Underpinning: with concrete
Steel pilaster bracing

One or all of these concrete home foundation repairs can be made. It depends on what your home foundation repair contractor recommends based on the construction of your home, total concrete damage, and type of soil. We recommend you call a licensed, experienced home foundation repair contractor for a thorough consultation.

M Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home foundation to see if you have any basement waterproofing issues. Call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs done quickly and efficiently. We serve the  Montgomery County, parts of Prince Georges and Howard Counties.

*** Please refer to an earlier blog about home foundation repair here.

home foundation repair

How Helical Pier Technology Can Be Environmentally Friendly

August 20, 2021 Matt Taylor Leave a comment

As we have covered in a previous blog, helical piers are galvanized steel shafts with helical plates. Helical piers are used, mainly, to strengthen damaged or weakened home foundations. They are vertically installed by a home foundation repair contractor. Installation is done fairly quickly, usually within a few hours.

What is not generally known is that helical piers are good for the environment. Here are a few reasons:

Home foundation repair contractors use hydraulics to screw the piers into place, instead of digging deep into the ground around the foundation.
Quick installation also means that there is little need, if any, to dampen the construction vibration.
Soil does not have to be broken to install them.
They are made of galvanized steel, so they do not rust.
They can be removed easily, without any harm to the environment.
No heavy machinery is needed for installation. So there is no fleet of trucks using fuel or expelling exhaust.
Screw piles can be installed, and left in place for many years. Then they are removed and reused at another site. So, there is little impact on the original location.
They are very easy to transport and install. So, they save money for architects, contractors, structural engineers, and builders. Les people are visiting the site.
There is less of a mess and project cleanup. So, there is less refuse going to public dumps that will sit there for many years.
No maintenance or upkeep is required. So, fewer visits to the home to check on it means less fuel used.
Helical piers are also reusable, recyclable, and transferable.

As you can see, not only are helical piers efficient, durable, and cost-effective, they are good for the environment. If you think your home foundation is in need of repair, call a repair contractor to do an inspection and analysis. As we have said, it is better to get it repaired now than later, at a higher cost.

If you being kind to the environment is important to you, helical piers accomplish that goal!

When getting your home foundation repaired, make sure you get a home foundation repair contractor who can do it accurately. When helical piers are properly installed, handheld equipment is used. This allows the customer to see the amount of resistance and torque that is being used. It also shows when to stop the digging.

M Taylor Enterprise installs both helical piers and helical tiebacks. Call our experienced engineers for a consultation. We will analyze your home foundation issue and efficiently repair it. Call (301) 649-3406 or email us at matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We serve the Prince George’s, Howard, and Montgomery County, MD area.

home foundation repair

Cracking, Pooling and Sinking: The Common Signs That You Need Home Foundation Repair

July 19, 2021 Matt Taylor Leave a comment

It’s summertime and the heat and humidity in Central Maryland is stifling. It can cause dry skin and even crack it if not taken care of immediately.

Unfortunately, it’s not only our skin that can have cracks in it. Our home foundation can have cracks, lines, and other deterioration that are not always spotted. We may not even think about it.

In fact, there are several common signs or red flags that you need concrete foundation repair. Those signs may include:

Aging: foundation shows wear and tear over the years. That wear and tear are often evidenced by, cracks, settlement, bowing, unevenness, and pooling water. . Uneven or unbalanced appearance: One obvious sign that you will notice is that your walls will be uneven. Extremes of wet/dry weather can do this to your foundation. They may seem to be unbalanced. Even worse, the walls may be breaking and crumbling, which can cause injuries and property damage.
Cracks appearing in the foundation: As we have discussed in past blogs when you see cracks in your home foundation, that is probably due to the soil expanding due to extremes in weather (heat and cold). Steady rain, dry conditions, and ice buildup cause home foundations to contract and expand. Cracks will be evident in floors and walls.
Water pooling: After steady rain, check the foundation areas of your home. If you see pooling in those areas, then there are problems with the home foundation. This happens due to water not draining away from the foundation. Even if the concrete had a waterproof coating, that coating may have worn off or was inadequate to start with. The foundation needs to be repaired and recoated.
Wallpaper falling off the walls: Your wallpaper may have creases, tears, and water stains in it.
Doors and windows not closing correctly or at all: As we have also discussed, your doors and windows are no longer aligned with the doorways or window frames. Thus, they are sticking when you try to open or close them.
Sinking floors: A scary sign of foundation cracking is floors that are sinking.
Floors that slope: Floors that slope more than an inch every 15-20 feet.

If you have noticed any or all of these signs in your home, you are experiencing serious home foundation issues that need to be addressed immediately. Every day that it is not addressed, it will be even more costly to repair and you or your family members could be injured as a result. So, consult a home foundation repair contractor as soon as possible.

M Taylor Enterprise home foundation repair contractors can consult in Prince George, Montgomery County, and Howard County, MD. If you have seen any of these cracks in your home foundation, call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs done quickly and efficiently. 

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Email Us: matt@mtaylorenterprise.com

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