House with piers installed for foundation issues (Dallas, Plano: houses, construction)

[BayTexan]

Folks,

Saw a really nice house but it seems to have had 8 piers installed to fix some foundation issues. Is this a huge red flag? Also, what are the issues (if any) with adding a pool to this property given the existing foundation issues?

I know it's good the issues have surfaced and been addressed; but am worried about future issues coming up and adding up to a significant cost to get them rectified.

Thanks in advance for your input!

[Ralph_Kirk]

I'm told that there are three kinds of houses you find in DFW: Those with foundation problems, those that have had their foundation problems fixed, and those that will get foundation problems in the future.

The issues may have been inevitable, they may have been preventable with proper land maintenance. But the fact that they were repaired means you're starting anew, which is almost the best you can hope for with a pre-owned home.

There exists the possibility that the work done might have caused plumbing problems because of the necessary movement of the foundation to its original position. If the foundation engineer's report is available, it might even mention earlier plumbing problems that might have caused foundation heaving at the site of the leak.

Essentially, though, almost any house here can have foundation problems, an older house might have foundation problems, and problems fixed are problems fixed. Personally, I feel a bit better with a fixed foundation.

[loves2read]

It all depends on why it was needed and who did the work and the quality of what they did

[mSooner]

How old is it and in what location?

20-30 year old house in Coppell or Irving? No biggie.

Less than 10 year old house anywhere else? Maybe a red flag

[BayTexan]

Thanks all.

House is about 15 years old in Plano - hence was a bit surprised!

[EDS_]

Originally Posted by BayTexan

Thanks all.

House is about 15 years old in Plano - hence was a bit surprised!

Although comprising a small area a few spots in Plano are really bad. Pay a foundation guy to come by and take a look.

Generally speaking, well installed piers rarely fail assuming the contractor installed enough of them and diagnosed the problem correctly.

[taroberts]

Originally Posted by BayTexan

Thanks all.

House is about 15 years old in Plano - hence was a bit surprised!

Our his is 18 yrs old in Plano and we are having piers done next week.

[jdallas]

Originally Posted by BayTexan

Thanks all.

House is about 15 years old in Plano - hence was a bit surprised!

Most of Plano (and surrounding areas) was built up by the massive national production builders during the big land grab around that time. The house plans are the same ones they used all over the country and most builders failed to adequately modify for the local conditions. The planning commissions were overwhelmed and eager to expand the tax base so the oversight was minimal. They cared more about the percentage of cultured stone applied than the rebar size and spacing.
You don't see these problems with true custom built homes designed by local architects. They are far more informed on the engineering needed to make the structure sound.
Anyway, it's ridiculous to hear people chalk it up to, "it's our soil and everyone goes through it". You can build in a swamp and have a sound structure if it's designed properly.

If it's been corrected by a reputable firm, you should have nothing to worry about. Check the paperwork, follow up to make sure the company still exists and sleep well at night.

[Rowan123]

My house in Dallas (pier and beam) had foundation issues when I bought it. I think in some parts of the Metroplex most houses have them or will have them. Also be sure there is good drainage around the house (e.g., gutters working properly and a french drain if you need one). Part of the problem with my house was that it needed a french drain and new gutters to direct the water away from the foundation.

[EDS_]

Originally Posted by jdallas

Most of Plano (and surrounding areas) was built up by the massive national production builders during the big land grab around that time. The house plans are the same ones they used all over the country and most builders failed to adequately modify for the local conditions. The planning commissions were overwhelmed and eager to expand the tax base so the oversight was minimal. They cared more about the percentage of cultured stone applied than the rebar size and spacing.
You don't see these problems with true custom built homes designed by local architects. They are far more informed on the engineering needed to make the structure sound.
Anyway, it's ridiculous to hear people chalk it up to, "it's our soil and everyone goes through it". You can build in a swamp and have a sound structure if it's designed properly.

If it's been corrected by a reputable firm, you should have nothing to worry about. Check the paperwork, follow up to make sure the company still exists and sleep well at night.

We had two homes built in Plano during the '90s and two swimming pools as well. Both homes were no better than very well finished out tract homes - but large in both cases. Plano construction inspectors were like bees; in and out all the time failing whatever they didn't approve of. I'd categorically disagree with your assertion that construction oversight was minimal. I'd argue the exact opposite.