Get matched with top foundation repair specialists in Williston, ND

Crawl space foundation problems can stem from a few different issues, but the most common are moisture and water problems and soil instability. Moisture and water issues are often a result of poor drainage, which can lead to water intrusion and soil expansion and contraction, leaving your foundation under added stress. A few things can cause soil instability, including poor drainage, karst landscapes and resulting sinkholes, and poorly compacted soil during construction.

It depends on the severity of the damage, lasting from a few days to several weeks.

Most single-story homes don't have foundations strong enough to support a second story, but they can be reinforced for an addition. A structural engineer can assess your foundation and what needs to be done to get it ready. They'll look at any cracks or unevenness in your current foundation and consider any special framing or beams your home needs, especially if it’s in a high-wind or hurricane area.

“To support a second story, many structural engineers will require that you install additional concrete piers in the crawlspace,” says Tschudi. “This involves hand excavating, pouring a large concrete footing—usually with specially coated rebar—and then building concrete piers right up to the girders.”

While it can be difficult to identify a bad foundation at first glance, look for large horizontal cracks, discoloration, bulging basement walls, or signs of water damage. You may also see large gaps between the home and the foundation on the outside or signs of pooling water from a recent storm.