During the BHA regional meeting in Atlantic City, Ms. Susan Bryan was in attendance and decided to join the Association. Being from Houston it seemed very timely to invite Ms. Bryan to tell us a little more about herself, her company and to provide a first-hand update on what is taking place in Houston since Hurricane Harvey. Ms. Bryan responded to a series of questions.

How long has your company been in business?

Olshan Foundation Repair started in Houston, Texas in 1933

What prompted you to pursue a business in waterproofing/structural repair/radon or mold remediation, etc.?

As we expanded into new markets, outside of Texas in the early 2000’s, we came across homes that had basements. Naturally in the course of our business we started getting request from customers to help them with their basement waterproofing problems or basement wall problems.

What is your market like currently?

Olshan Foundation Solutions has offices that service customers in different markets across the country. As a result, market conditions can vary widely from Kansas City to Houston or from Nashville to Jackson, MS. For example, currently in Houston we are working with many customers who are interested in learning about the options for Home Elevation to help avoid future flooding post Hurricane Harvey.

Does Houston need more contractors to help complete this type of work?

There are lots of foundation repair contractors in the Houston area. At one point we counted as many as 132 foundation repair contractors in Houston. With over 95% of the homes being slab on grade there are very few below grade waterproofing problems. It’s been a very wet year in 2017 on top of the prior two wet years so there has been very little differential settlement in Houston area homes from expansive clays, however, post Hurricane Harvey there is an emerging interest from homeowners for Home Elevation Projects.

Does the greater Houston community need anything specific at the moment? Over the next 5 years?

Post Hurricane Harvey many customers are contemplating elevating their homes above Base Flood Elevation prior to performing the repairs to their home. This is something Olshan of New Orleans did post Hurricane Katrina and we believe is a good option for people who have experienced repetitive loss or have intentions of staying in their home long term and will realize the ROI and savings from Home Elevation.

Home Elevation

Post Hurricane Harvey many customers are contemplating elevating their homes above Base Flood Elevation prior to performing the repairs to their home. This is something Olshan of New Orleans did post Hurricane Katrina and we believe is a good option for people who have experienced repetitive loss or have intentions of staying in their home long term and will realize the ROI and savings from Home Elevation. Using specialized equipment Olshan can elevate a home up to 20’ above the existing grade safely and efficiently. However, most municipalities are asking property owners to lift 1’ – to 2’ above the Base Flood Elevation to help avoid future floods. Most projects take 60-90 days on a turnkey basis but the actual elevation takes place in a day. It’s really quite amazing.

Before Home Elevation

After Home Elevation

Could you identify the one project that provided the most significant challenge in your career? What was it about that project that almost caused you to leave the industry?

That’s a tough one. Our family has been in the business since 1983 and three generations are involved in the business today. One project that Hi Lift Before sticks out was an underpinning project at a VA Memorial. Olshan Golden Triangle was hired to underpin a fighter plane that was on exhibit. The entire platform was sinking. It was a unique project to begin with because it was not your normal home or commercial building, but in the driving phase of the project the pilings were going more than 85 feet deep. The project was completed successfully but took much longer than we ever dreamed it would.

What would be your advice to someone considering starting a business in your line of work?

Start with good people. We are very proud that we have team members we have worked with since the day we got into the business. As a service business, you can have the best products in the world but without the right people installing them and the right people working with your customers you won’t be successful. The people make the difference.

What have you enjoyed the most in doing what you do?

Helping people is the greatest satisfaction, personally or professionally. Whether it’s seeing a customer’s face when they see their problem fixed and their home put back together or an employee who worked hard, got a promotion and sees a future for him and his family. It’s really all about the people.

To learn more about Ms. Bryan and Olshan Foundation Repair, visit their website here.

In recent months the United States and the western hemisphere have experienced several hurricanes impacting Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico, and other parts of the country to a lesser amount. These severe weather related conditions bring extreme conditions such as massive flooding, down power lines, restricted transportation, limited telephone and other communications and loss of life. The destruction from these massive storms can take years for a community to fully re-build, and even in the case of New Orleans after Katrina there are sections that have not and may not re-build.

Weather damage can occur at any time and the clean up can be costly and time consuming. If you suspect that the foundation, or structure of your home has changed or you now experience water in areas of your lower level that you didn’t have before, you have need of a structural repair or waterproofing contractor.

Other conditions that can be triggered by severe weather conditions are mold, Radon, increase of bugs and pests, blocked drains, shifting soil, weakened structural and retaining walls, and much more.

What can you do or what can a homeowner do when faced with flooding from rain, or other high water event, or severe weather creating widespread damage in your area?

Below is a list of suggested practices to help you stay safe on your property when extreme weather events occur.

For Flood Safety:

 Don’t step into floodwater. Before going into a flooded basement or lower level, seek a first responder fire department or local utility company representative to disconnect the electric and or gas service to your property.

If floodwater remains, seeking the assistance of a professional first, however to drain the area using a gas powered water pump located outside your home or an electric pump connected outside your home.

Be sure to use your nose. If you smell natural gas, leave the property immediately and do not operate anything electrical or gas. Avoid any electric spark or open flame, as a build of gas fumes can be very explosive and deadly when in contact with an ignition source.

If flooding occurs in your area, move to higher ground, and be sure to listen regularly to the source of your choice for accurate weather information.

 Avoid areas where water can be seen as fast moving or in the case of roadways that are covered with water, do not drive through the flooded areas. The roadway could be washed out.

Power Line Safety:

• Never touch or get near overhead power lines.
• Avoid setting a metal ladder anywhere close to an overhead power line, as they have been known to “arc” several feet to something metal.

If Power Lines are Down:

• Call your local electrical provider or 911 to alert officials to the down power line.
• Don’t touch or get close to a down power line, if you see someone who is touching a down power line, do not touch that person, seek help.
• If you come upon a car that has hit a power pole, stay away the pole could still be supporting live power lines.
• If you happen to be in a car with power lines on your car, stay there till help arrives.

Basement Health Association Contractors are prepared to assist with these and other below grade issues in your home.

“Wisconsin Public Service”