All Forum Posts by: Jeff M.

I would check into the likelihood of current & future eminent domain issues. It's my understanding that a lot have been displaced via property condemnation in areas where future proposed projects, such as the rail system, toll roads, pipelines, etc have been planned. The Lake Travis area might be a safe bet, but who knows... The I-35 corridor (and nearby areas) may be suspect! I would research all planning commissions in the Austin area (and state) to see where things may head. It wouldn't hurt to look at Bureau of Land Mgmt projects as well! Just my thoughts!

Jason, depending on how much dirt you need quantity wise, I'd recommend using clay based soil. If that's not available, one can purchase bentonite (used to seal water well caps after drilling) or possibly the poor mans solution of mixing in cheap (clay) kitty litter, which is lower quality bentonite. To shed the water from the foundation, pack it against foundation, sloping up from ground, about 4" in roughly a 45° angle. The wetter the location, the higher the concentration of clay needs to be to divert the water from draining straight down the footer walls & causing damage. If the ground slopes down toward the house, a drain tile & sump pump may be needed if basement is present. Hope this helps!

What is the best way to find acreage deals (1/4 Section or less) about an hour north of Denver? I'm in Kansas City, and this market is unknown at present.

Michael, Look for exterior evidence, such as brick mortar separation (it generally follows a line from the ground up), foundation cracks at ground level, erosion of dirt well away from foundation, and obvious 'out of square' or obvious patchwork. Check interior (and basement) floors for cracks and unevenness. Check all door frames & Windows for equal operation, and if doors have been shaved down to close properly. Generally speaking, there will be opposing cracks in foundations, where the entire structure has 'torqued'. This leads to checking the joists in the attic area as well. I have seen cracked and broken joists, while everything else appears ok. I would avoid 'typical' mud jack companies if you intend to hold the property over a year. That service is a short term fix for a long term problem. Long term, I suggest welded piers down to bedrock. Then, it won't go anywhere! Hope this helps!

Matt,

Just be patient...

I've seen much worse foundation issues. It is most likely as stated above. However, if you see other foundation issues, this area is bad about settling, as most of KCK was originally built on a dump site (there are such places on the MO side too). One thing I've learned about this issue is to use a high clay based dirt packed against the foundation will minimize the freeze-thaw & torquing of settling, by diverting surface water from being able to cause these issues. 

If you are concerned about shifting or foundation sliding issues, I have sourced a piering contractor that supports the foundation to bedrock. It averages about $1K per pier & they do good work & followup. They stand behind their work and their reputation. I don't normally make recommendations, but these guys do it right, the first time... and I like that! One and done! Look up Power Jack Foundation Repair.

Hope this helps!

Brian,

Here's a little inside baseball... My great uncle was a steel tycoon back in the day. And, he was in on the original planning commissions back in the 50's when the interstates were being built. The plan has always been to develop the I-35 corridor (which runs from 50 miles inside Mexico to Canada). This plan is still ongoing. Currently, Mexico owns the traffic revenues generated on I-35 (they get 50 years per construction contracts). Moving forward, considering the current economic and political climate, Texas is a prudent choice. 

As referenced earlier, Dallas may not seem attractive on the surface, but both Houston and Dallas are places that I've lived & both are currently very active. I have a colleague that works the Dallas and Kansas City markets. From your list, in my humble opinion, if you can work any part of the Dallas market, I say go for it! It never hurts to hedge your bets!

I hope this helps!