What I Learned From Fixing our House Foundation

My husband and I moved into a house about 3 years ago that had foundation issues. Yes, I know. Some of you are thinking "Why would you buy a house with foundation issues?" and some of you may be naive like we were in thinking once the foundation was fixed everything would be right with the world. Hindsight, and all that.

Cement pilings for foundation repair

We've struggled to find a company that could help stabilize the foundation. The company that the seller had hired was able to lift it but it would fall again within a few months. Come to find out, that's because they weren't able to get the pilings deep enough to hit a steady surface; therefore, the pilings would move up and down based on the water level in the soil. During a drought they sank, a lot. During the rainy season they'd pop back up. This caused the house to continually move, cracking the walls, tile, and any other surface that could be damaged from moving when it's not supposed to.

This particular company also stopped returning my phone calls when asking them to come out and fix issues that were under warranty. So, we found a different company that had a new system for inserting pilings deep within the earth so the pilings stayed stable. While it's only been a month so we can't tell if it has been successful or not, the journey we've taken to get here has offered some life lessons not soon forgot.

1) We all need support - Every day is going to bring highs and lows. If we're going to navigate through those without cracking, we need support. I'm extremely introverted. My number of friends can be counted on one hand. However, I know those friends would drop anything to help if I needed them to. My husband is also a source of constant support for me, as I am for him. I realize how fortunate I am in that. Many people don't feel they have anyone they can count on. The good news is, we can find a support group online within moments of searching. While it may not be the same as face-to-face support, it can still be a huge help.

2) There is no going back - While we can put the foundation back to a somewhat level surface, the house will never be the same. There are still a lot of repairs to be done to get close to what it was before. The same is true with relationships, diet, work, just about anything you've walked away from or changed. You can do the same diet that worked 10 years ago but you won't get the same results. That ex may become your current, but the relationship will not be what it was before. That can be a good thing! We just need to realize that the "good ol' days" are really only good in hindsight. During those days we didn't think they were good. We are always looking for something different. So, you can try to go back to when you thought you were the most content but it will not be the same because the world changes, you change, everything changes. Again, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Change can be good.

3) Things can break while trying to fix them - This last round of having our foundation lifted and stabilized, three pipes were broken. We were told pipes were more likely to break when the foundation goes down because of pressure. When you lift the foundation you're taking the pressure off. So, yes, things can break when you're trying to fix them. You may be working extremely hard to fix a problem at work and things start to fall apart. That's ok. Stop, reasses, and pivot. You may find a better solution than you were originally working on.

4) Life will throw you for a loop, be prepared - Often, when you think you've hit a spot in life when things are going well, life has a way of throwing you a curve ball. The best way to handle those is to be prepared. Have an emergency fund set aside in case you need cash quickly. Invest your money so it's growing and not just sitting in the bank. Have "hurricane" food ready before the season gets here. Take a look at your life and find ways to mitigate issues you may see arising, so if they do you are prepared and not as stressed out. Being overly stressed can lead to rash decisions.

5) You don't have as much control as you think - We all think we can control items that are well outside our circle of influence. Most people pleasers are that way because it gives them a sense of control. "If I do what they want, they'll be happy and like me." While it may not be something cognizant, it is definitely something our brain thinks subconsciously. I am a recovering people pleaser. I've learned that I can only control what I say or do. I can not control anyone's reaction to those things. It's important to concentrate on what you can control. Trying to control things out of your hands will do nothing but lead to stress and worry. As they say, worrying is like a rocking chair: There's a lot of movement but you're not going anywhere!

Control the controlables and prepare for everything else. Find something to be grateful for every day, even if it's something small. Appreciate the small things in life and live in the present. Find contentment in what you have and where you are rather than constantly searching for something better. There is nothing wrong with trying to improve yourself or your situation but do not put your happiness in the "if...then." If I lose 30lbs, then I'll be happy. It usually doesn't work that way. Find your happiness now.