If you’re dealing with severe foundation issues, you’re not alone. Many homes across Southern California—whether in Long Beach, Pasadena, or Glendale—are affected by soil shifts, age, or seismic activity that can compromise structural stability. In cases where foundational problems are extensive, foundation replacement becomes essential to prevent further damage and ensure the longevity of your home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the foundation replacement process and highlight why it’s the best choice for homeowners across the region.
Why Consider Foundation Replacement?
Many factors can lead to foundation damage, including poor soil conditions, water exposure, or even seismic activity, especially common in Inglewood, San Pedro, and Alhambra. Homeowners often wonder if repairs will suffice or if a complete home foundation replacement is necessary. While repairs can address minor cracks, severe damage such as uneven settling, large or widening cracks, or failing components call for a full foundation replacement to maintain the structure’s safety and durability.
A failing foundation can also lead to a range of issues inside your home—doors and windows that stick, uneven floors, or cracked walls. Replacing the foundation not only stabilizes your home but can also improve its market value, an important consideration for those in high-value areas like Santa Monica and Culver City.
Step-by-Step Foundation Replacement Process
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during the foundation replacement process:
1. Foundation Inspection and Evaluation
A professional inspection is the first step, especially if you live in areas like Whittier, Burbank, or Gardena where certain soil types and ground movement can impact your foundation. During this phase, our team at Golden Retrofit & Foundation Repair will evaluate the extent of the damage and determine if a full replacement is necessary. Our detailed assessment ensures your home receives the most effective solution tailored to its unique foundation needs.
2. Prepping the Site
Next, we prepare the site by clearing the area around the foundation. This involves removing landscaping, decks, patios, or any external features that could interfere with the replacement process. Homes in Lawndale, West Hollywood, and East Los Angeles often have landscaping that needs careful handling to preserve the property’s appearance, which is why this step is essential.
3. Supporting the Structure
To protect your home during the replacement, temporary supports are installed. Hydraulic jacks are used to carefully lift the structure and hold it in place while we replace the foundation. This process ensures that your home remains stable throughout and is a particularly important step for homes in cities like Venice and Altadena, where structural shifts can be more pronounced due to proximity to coastal and hillside areas.
4. Removing the Old Foundation
The next phase is removing the damaged foundation. This involves carefully breaking up and removing the existing concrete or masonry foundation. In cities such as Pasadena and San Pedro, where older homes may have unique architectural features, our team takes care to ensure these elements remain unaffected.
5. Preparing the Soil
With the old foundation removed, we prepare the soil to support the new foundation. Proper soil preparation is crucial, as it provides a stable base. In some cases, especially in areas like South Pasadena and Culver City, where soil composition can vary, additional steps like compaction, grading, or soil stabilization might be necessary.
6. Installing the New Foundation
Now it’s time for the foundation installation. This stage involves pouring new concrete, setting rebar reinforcements, or using other durable materials. We ensure that the foundation is built to withstand local conditions, especially in areas like Santa Monica, known for its coastal environment, where moisture and soil composition can impact a foundation’s longevity.
7. Curing and Final Inspections
After pouring the foundation, it’s important to allow the concrete to cure. Curing usually takes several days and helps ensure the foundation’s strength. Following this, a thorough inspection ensures the foundation meets all safety and quality standards. This step is critical for homes in regions like Glendale and Pasadena that experience both seismic activity and seasonal weather changes.
8. Lowering the Home onto the New Foundation
Once the new foundation is stable and meets all standards, we carefully lower the structure back into place. Hydraulic jacks are gradually removed, allowing your home to rest on its new foundation. In areas like Inglewood and Alhambra, where soil stability can vary, we take extra precautions to ensure a smooth and secure transition.
9. Final Touches and Site Restoration
With the home securely in place, the last step is to restore the surrounding area. This includes reinstalling landscaping, decks, or patios, leaving the property looking just as good as before—or even better. A clean and thorough site restoration is part of our commitment to quality service across cities like Whittier, Gardena, and Venice.
How Long Does the Foundation Replacement Process Take?
On average, a full foundation replacement takes two to four weeks. Factors like weather conditions, soil type, and property size may influence this timeline. At Golden Retrofit & Foundation Repair, we strive to work efficiently while ensuring each phase is completed to the highest standards.
Golden Retrofit & Foundation Repair: Serving Southern California
From Long Beach to Culver City, Golden Retrofit & Foundation Repair is committed to providing expert foundation replacement services. With a strong understanding of California’s diverse environments and building codes, we’re equipped to handle projects across Southern California’s unique landscapes.
If you live in Pasadena, Santa Monica, or any nearby city and need a foundation evaluation, our team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our expertise in foundation replacement can benefit your home.
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