Frisco Foundation Repair Co. connects property owners and managers who need commercial foundation repair in Frisco, TX with an independent local foundation company that handles larger buildings.
Frisco's growth brought retail centers, office buildings, schools, churches and apartment communities, all built on the same expansive clay as the houses around them. Commercial foundation problems tend to show up at doors, storefronts, breezeways and the joints between buildings and sidewalks.
Common Problems on Commercial Property
- Storefront doors that bind or will not lock
- Cracked slabs and uneven floors inside tenant spaces
- Separation between buildings and walkways or parking areas
- Settling at apartment breezeways, stairs and landings
- Cracks in masonry along one wall of a building
Engineering, Permits and Inspections
Commercial repairs are usually designed or approved by a licensed professional engineer, and structural work generally needs a city permit and inspections. Expect the process to include an evaluation, stamped drawings, a City of Frisco permit and inspections during the work. Ask how the contractor coordinates with engineers and the city.
Repair Methods
Larger loads often call for deeper support, such as steel piers or drilled bell-bottom piers. Plans may also include slab lifting, joint and crack repair, drainage correction and concrete leveling for sunken walks and entries.
Keeping Tenants Open
- Phase work by building or by tenant space
- Work from the exterior where possible
- Schedule loud work outside business hours
- Keep walkways, entries and fire exits clear and safe
What to Have Ready
Gather building plans, prior reports, past repair records and a list of tenant complaints with locations. For apartments and HOAs, a building-by-building list speeds up the evaluation.
Frisco's Commercial Growth
Frisco's commercial base includes the Stonebriar Centre mall, The Star, the Dallas Cowboys' headquarters and training facility, the PGA of America headquarters, Frisco Square and countless retail centers, offices, schools and churches built during the city's growth. Much of this construction is relatively new, but new commercial slabs on expansive clay still need monitoring and occasional repair, especially at entries, sidewalks and the joints between buildings and flatwork. Property managers often find it useful to keep a simple log of door and storefront problems by location; it gives an engineer a head start.
Who Pays Under a Lease
When a leased building needs foundation work, the lease decides who pays and who hires the contractor. Before scheduling, the owner and tenant should read the repair and maintenance sections together, agree on access hours and decide who receives the engineer's findings. Settling that first keeps the job from stalling halfway through while two parties argue over the invoice.
Common questions
Do commercial foundation repairs need an engineer?
Most do, because of larger loads and permit requirements. Ask the contractor how engineering is handled.
Can we keep the building open during repairs?
Often, with phased or exterior work. The contractor can tell you after seeing the building.
Do you take requests for apartment communities and HOAs?
Yes. A local, independent company looks at the request and tells you whether they handle that kind of project.
How long do commercial repairs take?
It depends on size, engineering and permitting. Ask for a schedule that includes design and permit time.
Can sidewalks and entries be raised instead of replaced?
Often, with concrete leveling, if the slabs are in one piece. Badly broken concrete may need replacement.
Who should request the evaluation for a leased building?
Usually the owner or property manager, since repairs affect the structure. Tenants should report problems to management.