SYMBIAN CONSTRUCTION INC.'S Blog
FOUNDATION BY SYMBIAN
FOUNDATION REPAIRS
Trying to fix the cracks, putting in new bricks, or patching the concrete will not solve the problem. This is because the issues you see are just surface problems, and the actual trouble spot has not been addressed. Poor drainage, leaks, and dry soil can all contribute to foundation damage. Once the foundation of your home has been affected, merely addressing these symptoms will not repair/improve your home’s foundation.
With a full foundation repair, your home is actually lifted up from its sloping position and put upright using helical piers, concrete piers, or other methods. These are long-term solutions that protect your investment and can actually increase the value of your property.
If doors and windows get stuck and become difficult to open, call Symbian Construction Company who can do carry out all levels of foundation repairs ranging from minor preventive work to helical or dilled pier installation and full replacement.
Even the Home Maintenance for Dummies book warns the average do-it-yourself homeowner to not ignore signs of foundation problems. “Major cracks, on the other hand, indicate substantial movement and can undermine the home’s structural integrity. Therefore, you can’t just ignore cracks in a foundation or concrete slab.” The book states that if you notice many smaller cracks or cracks that are larger than 1/4 of an inch wide, you should have your house examined.
Because the foundation supports your home, it is one of the utmost importance to keep in good condition.
HELICAL PIERS
When you have piers installed in your home, you are providing a long-term solution. Piers in their various forms give your home unparalleled stability as residential/home foundations are shallow, but with helical or drilled piers, you actually transfer support of the house to deeper and firmer soil (bearing strata), giving your home much increased stability. Another advantage in helical pier installation is that it is a generally less intrusive process than other approaches. We work closely with engineers that will evaluate the existing structural condition and help us design viable options for your project.
When YOU THINK YOU NEED FOUNDATION REPAIRS
The good news is that if you have waited to repair your home, all is not lost. After structural work to your home is done, windows and doors that were jammed become normal again, floors become level, and with a non-intrusive installation of piers, you will have everything back in working condition. A typical full foundation repair takes about 5 to 20 days.
If you are in the Bay Area, you can contact Symbian Construction for a free consultation on your house to determine the best method of repair for your property. Call (415) 895-6756 or just schedule an inspection on the contact page for a free quote.
DRAINAGE BY SYMBIAN
DRAINAGE – FOUNDATION AND ROOF DRAINAGE
We might not put much thought to the drainage on our property, but drainage systems play an important role in protecting homes in the Bay Area; due to our wet winter months, defective drainage can result in a variety of different types of damage.
You can take a closer look at French drains and how they can be used to protect your home.
WHAT IS A FRENCH DRAIN?
A French drain is a type of drainage system that uses simple principles to remove subsurface moisture from soil. The design of a French drain provides the moisture in soil with an easy channel for it to flow into.
Basically, the design relies on two points: that water will always follow the path of least resistance, and that gravity will cause water to flow downhill. With a French drain, you have a gravel-filled trench. The water will flow into the trench because it offers less resistance than the surrounding soil. Under the gravel, you will have a perforated drainage line. The drainage line collects the water, and the trench is graded on a slope to allow gravity to carry the water to the desired location.
In some cases, the French drain will just terminate and discharge the water to a low-lying area of the property; in others, it will discharge at a sump pit where a pump can be used to remove the water.
HOW DOES A FRENCH DRAIN PROTECT YOUR HOME?
A French drain can offer an affordable solution for managing subsurface water on your property. Along with being a simple and effective way to remove water from a location, they can also be applied to a number of different situations.
One of the most common uses for a French drain is to protect a foundation from water damage. When the soil around a foundation has moisture problems, it can exert hydrostatic pressure on the foundation. When this occurs, water can seep into the concrete and potentially cause basement flooding, mold, etc.; also, the water can cause foundation damage. To prevent this, a French drain can be installed around the footing of the foundation. This will remove the moisture from the soil, and it will relieve the hydrostatic pressure.
If you have a retaining wall on your property, a French drain can be used to protect that structure as well. A retaining wall is designed to hold back the earth. If the soil above the retaining wall becomes saturated with water, it can add pressure, and this could cause the retaining wall to fail. To prevent this damage, you would install a French drain at the footing of the retaining wall with a vertical Mira Drain panel (at the backside of the retaining wall) directing water to the French drain.
Some properties might have problems with soggy patches in the yard or areas of the property that become overly saturated with water. A French drain can be installed to remove water from an area that has moisture problems, and this can relieve issues with surface water. By installing a French drain, you could prevent erosion in these areas of the yard, and it could also prevent issues that you would have with pooling water and muddy terrain.
A French drain could be a vital element for protecting your home against foundation damage. It could also protect other structures like a retaining wall, and it could be used to manage problems with water on the property.
For further information, drainage options, and drain installation in the East Bay, North Bay, Marin, Sonoma counties, and San Francisco areas, contact Symbian Construction. We and our partners have much experience with installing and maintaining French drains and have been working on foundations in the Bay Area for many years.
DECKS BY SYMBIAN
DECK CONSTRUCTION
Given the geographical location of the Bay Area, we are very fortunate to have such great, all-year-round weather, making most people want to spend more time outdoors. With a deck, you have a great range of options for enjoying time outdoors when you are at home. A deck creates outdoor spaces that are more functional, and they can be perfect for relaxing, either on your own or for spending time with friends and family. The best time to start planning and build your deck is in the fall or spring as the Bay Area experiences fairly dry weather, and the deck can be ready for summer enjoyment.
Some of the benefits:
Outdoor Dining
One of the best things about having a deck is that it offers a comfortable space for outdoor cooking and dining. You can set up your grill, cook some good food and enjoy the nice weather while you eat. This can be great for you and the family, or as an outdoor dining experience to share with friends and neighbors.
Landscaping
A deck can add more options for landscaping design by adding some landscaping features to your deck, i.e., you could keep it simple by adding some potted plants to different areas or have built-in planters. By adding plants to your deck, you can enhance the feel of the space, and it can add to the outdoor appeal of spending time on your deck.
Entertaining
A deck is a great place to entertain guests during the summer month with various options, i.e., BBQs, formal dining, or just informal “get togethers” a deck offers a comfortable space for you to spend the nice summer days and evenings outdoors with friends. A BBQ might be a popular option for inviting guests, but even if you are not having a large gathering, sitting on your deck can be much nicer than just sitting inside the home when you have company.
Relaxation
Your deck can also be a good place to relax after work, a place to do morning yoga, eat breakfast, drink your morning coffee or just sit outside and enjoy the fresh air. There are many custom options that can be added to customize the space for your specific needs, such as:
- Outside Lighting
- Pergola (Covered Area)
- Built-In Stoves, Sinks, And Counters
- TV Hookups
- Built-In Bench Seating
- Hot Tub Area
- The design options are endless, so the space can be enjoyed anytime; day, evening, or nighttime…
If you already have a deck, then you probably understand many of the great ways that you can enjoy this outdoor feature in the summer. If you don’t have a deck, then you might want to consider building one. Symbian Constriction Company can handle all the details, from conception and design through construction. Contact us today to see how we can help you with your deck project.
Top 5 Things To Look For When Hiring A General Contractor
BY SYMBIAN
However, finding the right person for the job is essential to an easier process, so here are the top 5 things to consider when choosing a general contractor.
- Communication
Having a talented and skilled contractor is great. But if they demonstrate poor communication skills then it can result in misunderstandings, delays in the project, and even bigger headaches. A general contractor that demonstrates good communication will exhibit transparency and patience throughout the entire project. They will also have a quick response time and listen to what your expectations are or the questions you may have during the construction process. In addition, a general contractor that exhibits good communication skills will be able to articulate their expectations and possess a well detailed contract. Therefore, there can be no surprises, and everything is clearly laid out. Good communication is important but not the only thing you need to consider when choosing a good contractor for your project.
- Quality of Work
Quality of work determines how the general contractor’s previous projects look like. Are they up to your standards or liking? What type of projects do they have the most experience with? Questions you can ask yourself when in consideration. A good general contractor will be able to demonstrate their quality of work by first establishing a well thought out and approximate timeline. This ensures that the contractor has prior experience and is organized. In addition to having proof of past projects, they also set a realistic expectation for pr So in addition to having previous work done, you can also rest assured that they Which is important when you want an expert to begin the process of bringing your vision to become a reality.
- Customer Service
If the customer is not happy with the service, then we have not done our job correctly. Customer satisfaction is the foundation for success in construction. The best way to see if prior customers are happy with the work is through reviews. Reviews can provide a greater insight into the company and if they prioritize their customers needs. Even a response from the construction company to an angry review can demonstrate accountability and organization. You as a customer need to be assured that whoever you hire has proof of doing great work.
- Punctual
A good general contractor is quick to respond to any questions or emails that you send their way. And they also give a realistic expectation to receive their bid and estimate for your project. It’s very easy for a contractor to get lost due to a lack of organization. Which would lead to potentially losing you as a client. Punctuality is important because construction takes time, and you’d want an expert to give you a realistic timeline to expect work completed. We understand that construction can be intrusive, so timing and realistic expectations is everything.
- Rapport
Lastly, trust your gut feelings. You’ll know if you build a good rapport with someone. If you feel alarms going off or red flags. Try to listen to those feelings and address them. There is nothing worse than not trusting the expert you’ve hired for your job. But if you build a good rapport and like the person you’re hiring then it builds a relationship of trust which in turn makes the process so much easier.
Here at Symbian Construction, we pride ourselves on our commitment to make your vision come to life the easiest way possible. We exemplify these top five qualities because we understand how difficult and long the process can be. Therefore, your satisfaction is our priority! If you are local to the Bay Area and are ever in need of our services, you can call us at our phone number (415) 895-6576 or email us at info@symbianconstruction.com.
Blog For Decks
If you’re considering adding a deck to your home or updating an existing one, it is important to understand the process and options available to you. Decks provide an excellent space for outdoor relaxation, entertaining, and even gardening. At Symbian Construction, we specialize in designing and building custom decks that are tailored to our clients’ unique needs and preferences. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get started!
The Construction Process
What does this involve?
● Planning and design
● Obtaining permits and approvals
● Site preparation, framing and decking, and finishing touches
At Symbian Construction, we guide our clients through each step of the process, ensuring that their vision
is brought to life with our expert craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Planning stage
First, our team works with clients to develop a clear understanding of their needs and preferences, such as the desired size, shape, and style of the deck, as well as any specific features or functions that they want the deck to have. We also take into account the unique features of the home and surrounding landscape to ensure that the deck complements the existing architecture and outdoor space.
Obtaining permits and approvals
Next, we obtain any necessary permits and approvals from local authorities to ensure that the deck meets all safety and zoning requirements. This can include obtaining a building permit, approval from a homeowner’s association, and any necessary inspections.
What happens next?
Once the planning and permitting stages are complete, our team prepares the site for construction by clearing and leveling the ground and installing any necessary footings or posts. From there, we construct the deck frame and decking, install any railings or stairs, and add finishing touches such as lighting,
furniture, and landscaping.
What are my choices for deck construction or remodel?
Decks come in a wide range of styles and sizes, with options ranging from simple, low-level platforms to raised decks with safety railings, multi-level decks with interconnected levels, and wraparound decks that integrate seamlessly with the home’s indoor living spaces. Our team works closely with clients to determine which type of deck will best suit their needs and budget.
Low-level decks are a great option for homes with small backyards or for those who want a simple, easy-to-maintain outdoor space.
Raised decks provide a more expansive outdoor area, and can be designed with various levels and built-in features such as seating and planters.
Multi-level decks provide a unique, interconnected outdoor space that can be used for different purposes, such as dining, relaxing, and entertaining.
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Finally, wraparound decks are perfect for homeowners who want to expand their indoor living space to the outdoors, creating a seamless flow between the two areas.
Pricing and budgeting done by experts!
The cost of building or renovating a deck depends on several factors, including size, materials, and desired features. At Symbian Construction, we provide transparent pricing and work with clients to establish a budget that meets their needs while ensuring a high-quality finished product. Our team sources high-quality materials and utilizes best practices to ensure each deck is not only beautiful, but also durable and safe.
We work with our clients’ budget to provide the best possible deck within their means. For example, a simple, low-level deck made of pressure-treated wood is an affordable option for those on a tight budget, while a more elaborate deck made of composite materials will cost more but provide a longer-lasting,
low-maintenance outdoor space.
Licensed, insured, and bonded
At Symbian Construction, we are licensed, insured, and bonded to protect our clients and ensure their complete satisfaction. Our team takes pride in delivering exceptional workmanship and uses only the best materials and techniques to construct each deck.
Choosing a licensed and insured contractor ensures that the work is performed to the highest standards and that any issues that may arise during the construction process are properly handled.
To sum up, a deck is a fantastic addition to any home, providing a place to relax, entertain, and a capital improvement to your home. With various materials, designs, and features available, there is a deck for
every home and budget!
Contact us today to learn more about our deck services and how we can help you get started!