The Foundation Man

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  Richard Rash


 
Independent

Foundation Repair and Drainage consultant


You are here because you have foundation and/or drainage questions or concerns.

Call me and let’s talk about those concerns. That’s what I do: I break down foundation problems and guide you in the right direction. I have been doing that for 30 years. Nearly twenty-five years as a foundation and drainage contractor and a little over five years as a consultant.

It won’t take long on the phone to determine if I know more than the disc jockeys, talk show hosts and over the hill athletes that are making a lot of money pitching piers over the air.  Who knows, I might even know as much as you brother-in-law, neighbor or bartender. The fact that I make a living protecting consumers from shady builders and crooked pier salesmen might mean something.

I will talk to you about anything foundation or drainage related. If I can help you over the phone it will make us both happy and will cost you nothing, if I need to see the property to help, it will cost for my time and expertise. If after reviewing your problem over the phone, I come out and cannot provide the agreed upon help, there will be no charge!  If I do help it will save you time, money and peace of mind. My number is 817-308-8186. You may also contact me by email.         

 Remember: foundation repair contractors sell piers…not solutions.     Still not convinced? Please read on. There is a lot of information.

Millions of dollars are spent each year on un-needed foundation repairs. Protecting yourself is all about checks and balances. Using proper due diligence.

I can help!
My Job:  Provide my customers with the knowledge and help they need to handle any type of foundation or drainage issue. 

Read this page top to bottom. It will be the most informative page relating to foundation damage and repair you will find.
3-10-10 News

Between the  rain, the snow and general bad weather so far this year, foundation contractors in Texas are hurting for work.  This affords some good opportunities for consumers in need of foundation repair. It also presents some bad opportunities.  The bad guys in the business, and there are many, will lie, cheat and steal to load you up with un-needed piers at exaggerated prices.  Even the good guys are not likely to cut their prices unless they must. With me they must. I know what a property needs; I know what it takes to repair foundation damage, both in method and price. I can save you time, money and possible grief.    
Read:
Blunt Talk

 My Fee                                     Do I earn my fee?  
 
Contact me:  Richard Rash          817-308-8186.     or Email Me
      
      
 If
I can't help you, don't pay me! How’s that for a guarantee?

  Please read on

Want to know what is really going on with your home foundation? I can tell you! Confused by contradicting bids? I can help sort them out. Want to know how to prevent or reverse foundation problems? I can show you how! Want to avoid getting screwed on foundation work? I can show you what you need and how much you should pay! Click on links below then come back and read this complete page. As I said, if I can't help you, don't pay me!

Click on  Best time for repairs.

 Click on Choosing company and type of repair

Click on my Customer Letters.

Click on
my fee.


Click on what I do for my money.

Still not convinced? Read this page top to bottom. It will be the most information relating to foundation damage and repair you will find.  Then give me a call or
email
me.

Thank you,

Richard Rash, Foundation Repair Consultant, 817-308-8186


 

Hi, I'm Richard Rash, the foundation man. I know about as much about foundations issues as anyone in North Texas. 

Hundreds of people have paid me to come to their home and educate them about foundation issues. To my knowledge none have been disappointed. I am their check and balance, their advocate. When I leave they have their questions answered. They understand how the house is built. They understand how the soils affect the home. They understand how bad drainage causes problems. They understand how drying soils affect the structure. They understand the maintenance required to protect the house. They understand when drains are required, when and how to water the foundation, how and when to check the plumbing for leaks affecting the home. They understand the difference in piers and how they work. They understand what they need in the way of maintenance and repairs and they know how to avoid getting ripped off. They will save a lot of money and get peace of mind.

Since retiring from active contracting I have been consulting on foundation problems. Before retiring I spent 26 years as a foundation repair contractor often as a consultant to other foundation repair contactors. When I started in the business there were a handful of foundation contractors. When a foundation was broken we fixed it, as best we could, with the knowledge we had. Over the years we learned a lot.

As time progressed things begin to change. Foundation Repair became a billion dollar business and the gypsies, tramps and thieves jumped in.

It seems that all it takes is an over the hill athlete, disk jockey or talk show host to endorse a company and the uneducated masses go for it. Well guess what, the masses are getting screwed. They are buying piers that are, to say the least, not ideal for our soil. They are buying piers they do not need and they are paying far too much for the piers they get. And, worst of all, they are not addressing the real problem, the soil.

The truth is, foundations don't fail, soils do. Soil expansion and contraction must be addressed to solve foundation issues. Piers can not solve upheaval and many piers being sold do a very poor job on preventing settlement. You as the homeowner must maintain your soils. Maintain the soils correctly, and new problems do not appear. Maintain the soils correctly and old problems often lessen and sometimes go away.

You must have knowledge to know whether your home has heaved up or settled down.

In our area, at least as many structures are damaged by upheaval, or swelling soils, as by settlement or contracted soils. You do not use piers to address homes that have already been lifted above grade by swelling soils.

Elevations alone can not distinguish between settlement and upheaval. Only experience can.

If upheaval has occurred the high point must come down. The moisture in the soil must come out. You must find the source of the moisture and eliminate it. It's usually much cheaper than piers and much better on the slab.

If settlement has occurred and walls need to be lifted you want the right number and type of piers from a reliable, experienced contractor. Not piers that have a reputation for failure. Not twice the required number of piers and not over priced piers.

If you feel that you may have foundation issues call me. If I can help over the phone it's free.


Contact information:Richard Rash, 817.308.8186 or Email at: richardrashinc@tx.rr.com



If you are unsure about something, you bring in an expert.

If you are unsure about something, you bring in an expert. That is a good business practice at any level. You use due diligence. You need checks and balances. Foundation damage is not the end of the world. Treated properly it can be a minor irritation. Treated incorrectly it can be a nightmare. Don't experience a nightmare! The reason for this website is to let you know that I am available to help you understand the reason foundations fail, to help you maintain your foundation and to help you find proper repair when required. Remember: With over 150 foundation contractors in the Dallas-Fort Worth area alone, getting three bids give you a one in fifty chance of getting the right job at a fair price. I can help you beat those odds. People pay me to help them successfully deal with foundation issues. If I save you from buying one un-needed pier you have made money. It's a smart move and cheap insurance.  I will be your advocate, your check and balance

What I do for my money:

What I do for my money: 

I inspect your home for foundation damage, inside and out. I explain how your home is built.  I explain how the soils and weather affect your foundation. I show how to maintain the soils, which will, in turn, maintain your foundation.  I explain what is happening to your home and why. I explain drainage and watering of the foundation. If drainage correction is needed I will show where and how. If watering is needed I will explain how and when. If piers are needed I will explain how many, where and what kind are best for your application. If you already have bids I will explain them.  If you are selling, I will show how to get the home ready.  If you are buying I will show you what to look for.  When I leave you will understand the process.  I will answer any foundation or drainage related questions you may have.  I will be your advocate. I will help you keep from making a mistake.  In most every instance I will save you time, money and worry.

Special Report: Winter 2009


Know it or not, most of you are now experiencing some movement in your foundation. The recent rains have expanded the soil all over North Texas, as well as many other areas.  The results of extreme rains are normally a change in elevations of homes on expansive soils. Unfortunately, the change is often damaging.
The two things of most importance to home owners are:

1.)    The soil expands in areas of bad drainage, lifting sections of the home off of original grade and transferring weight of the structure which produces cracks, door frames out of square and uneven floors. This becomes, obviously, a problem.  The answer is almost always drainage correction to prevent additional upheaval. Drainage correction, done correctly, should also enable the swollen soil to slowly contract and allow the structure to gradually settle back to near "as built".  The installation of piers to lift the rest of the house is almost always a mistake in these situations. Talk to an expert who is not involved in piering to access you situation.

2.)    Often where settlement has appeared over a period of time, extended rain will cause soils to swell, lifting areas of the house, closing cracks and straightening doors. It would seem that the house has healed itself.  Don't be fooled, the problem reversal is temporary at best. The eventual drying of the soil will allow the soil to settle back often in worse condition that before.  It is often advantageous to consider the need for piering while the soil is swollen.  Done correctly the repair is completed with less piers, less stress on the structure and at less expense.  Again, consult an independent expert. If you are unsure about something, you bring in an expert. That is a good business practice at any level.

It is extremely difficult to get creditable information about foundation problems and foundation repair on the internet or in person. The sheer number of foundation repair companies in North Texas is staggering. The majority of these companies abilities are at best marginal, using products that are not ideal for this soil. Many are operated on a shoe string with a very heavy turnover in personal, and for that matter company names. Several companies own multiply entities.  This means you have the distinct possibility of obtaining multiple bids from the same company who use different names. The different phone numbers going into the same office.
 
Be safe; understand the nature of your specific problem.  Understand the soils and how they react. Understand how your structure has reacted to the soils. Foundation piers are designed for, and guaranteed against vertically settlement only. They are not designed for, or guaranteed against, upheaval. When soils are wet they expand, when they expand they lift what is sitting in and on them. That is upheaval.  If upheaval is affecting your  home, understand the problem. Talk to an unbiased professional.

Remember foundation repair companies sell piers...not solutions. I provide information and solutions! Call or email me!
817-308-8186

Who I am.

I am Richard Rash. I have spent the last twenty-eight years working with Foundation damaged structures in North Texas. I have been involved with foundation repair of all size and price homes, apartments, hospitals, nursing homes, warehouses and small commercial buildings. I have worked as foundation inspector, contractor, consultant and expert witness. I know foundations and I know the soils. I know what causes foundation failures and what prevents foundation failure. I know the products used to repair foundations and I know the contractors reputations. I know what works where, and how much it should cost. I am now devoting my time helping the owners of houses, apartments, and small commercial building avoid foundation problems, when possible, and getting them fixed right when repairs are necessary.

Quick Note
Misleading elevations can cost you a lot of un-necessary money, additional foundation issues,  and plumbing problems.
 

Foundation and Drainage Evaluation: includes foundation and drainage inspection, instructions on foundation maintenance, drainage correction and foundation watering. If you require repairs, I will explain the types of repairs available. I will review any bids and recommend the type of repairs best suited for your problem. I will help you receive the best repairs available at the best possible price. 

I will assist you in any area of foundation or drainage problems you may have.

I will assist you in any area of foundation or drainage problems you may have.

This service can save you thousands of dollars.             

    

Richard: 817-308-8186

Email: richardrashinc@tx.rr.com

Click here customer letters!

 My job: save you money and time, and help assure that you know what you are getting.

If you are concerned about foundation repair or drainage issues please read this page from top to bottom.  It may be the most helpful and informative foundation repair information on the world wide web.    


Facts to Ponder


Proper drainage and proper watering can prevent the vast majority of foundation damage. Most homes do not need piers.

 

When caught early, foundation movement can almost always be stopped and often reversed with proper maintenance.

 

After piers are installed proper maintenance is still required. I can show you how.

 

Bad drainage cause every bit as much foundation damage as hot weather.

 

Buildings settle and heave. Often in the same time frame. The signs are similar, the repairs are not.

 

Elevations cannot distinguish between settlement and heave without a bench mark, tied to sea level, and the original construction elevations. Don’t rely on contractor elevations as an indication of pier requirements.

  • With foundation problems, big money is at stake, not only in the price of repairs, but in the resale value of your home.

    If you think you have foundation problems.....

    If you want to know that you are approaching the problem correctly.....

    If you want to understand the problems and the solutions.....

    If you do not have foundation problems and want to avoid them later on.....

    If you have bids that don't make sense.....

    If you confused by the type or cost of repairs quoted.....

    Call me, I can help. I won't let you get cheated.

    If you are unsure about something, you bring in an expert. That is a good business practice at any level. If you don't contact me now, bookmark the site. You may not be able to find it again.

A lot of people have been visiting this site and not calling me. The potential for damage is increasing every day. If you think you need help, call now! It may be the most important call you make this year.

Over 20,000 people have visited my website for information in the last four years and hundreds of people have paid me to come to their home and educate them about foundation issues. 

None, to my knowledge, have been disappointed.

I
f you have foundation issues; this site can save you money and help solve your problem.



Be sure before you pier!
Now, call me at 817.308.8186, email me in form below or continue exploring my site.
Thanks,
Richard Rash

Full name:
Phone
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Click here for Blunt Talk about the foundation repair business.


You can't throw a dart at the phone book and expect to get a good job at a fair price. I'll help you find the right people for your situation.

Please forward my web page to your friends, relatives or neighbors who may now, or at a later date, experience foundation issues!

Read on, then call me: Richard Rash, 817-308-8186 together we can get it right.




Please explore my site to find out what I do, and to learn about foundations and drainage. You never know when problems might arise!

Contact information

  

Richard Rash
Foundation damage detective
817-308-8186
richardrashinc@tx.rr.com
Fax: 817-540-4049