FAQ
Foundation Repair Questions, Answered
Foundation repair raises a lot of questions. Here are honest answers to the ones we hear most often from DFW homeowners.
Warning signs and inspections
What are the warning signs of foundation problems?
Common signs include doors and windows that stick or won't latch, stair-step cracks in exterior brick, diagonal cracks at the corners of doors and windows, gaps between walls and trim, and floors that slope or feel uneven. One sign on its own isn't always serious; several together, or cracks that keep growing, are worth an inspection.
Is the foundation inspection really free?
Yes. A certified technician inspects your foundation at no charge and with no obligation. If nothing needs repair, we'll tell you that.
What happens during an inspection?
The technician takes floor elevation measurements throughout the home to see where and how much the foundation has moved, checks the exterior for cracks, drainage problems and nearby trees, and, for pier and beam homes, looks at the crawl space. You then get a written estimate if repairs are recommended.
How quickly can I get an inspection?
After you call or submit the form, a team member calls you back within 24 hours to schedule. Most inspections can be booked within the same week.
Cost and timeline
How much does foundation repair cost?
It depends on how many piers are needed, the pier type, access around the home, and whether drainage or root barrier work is part of the fix. Because two homes with similar cracks can need very different repairs, we give you a written, itemized estimate after the free inspection rather than a price over the phone.
How long does foundation repair take?
Many residential slab repairs are completed in one to two days. Pier and beam work, larger homes, and jobs that include drainage correction can take longer; your estimate includes the expected schedule.
Do I need to leave my home during the repair?
Usually not. Slab pier work is done from outside the house or by tunneling beneath it, and pier and beam work happens in the crawl space. We'll let you know ahead of time if any part of the job affects access to your home.
Slab vs. pier and beam
How do I know if my house is slab or pier and beam?
Pier and beam homes have a crawl space, usually with vents or an access door on the exterior wall, and the floors often sound hollow. Slab homes sit directly on a concrete pad with no crawl space. Many older DFW neighborhoods have pier and beam homes; most newer homes are built on slabs.
Are the repairs different?
Yes. Slab repair installs piers under the concrete to support and level it. Pier and beam repair works from the crawl space: re-shimming, replacing damaged beams and piers, and fixing the moisture that caused the damage.
Prevention and drainage
Why are foundation problems so common in North Texas?
Much of the area sits on expansive clay that swells when it's wet and shrinks when it dries. Droughts, heavy rain, poor drainage and thirsty trees all change the moisture under a house unevenly, and that uneven movement is what cracks foundations.
How can I help prevent foundation problems?
Keep the soil around the foundation at a consistent moisture level, make sure the ground slopes away from the house, keep gutters and downspouts discharging well away from the walls, and watch large trees planted close to the home. Fixing drainage problems early is one of the least expensive ways to protect a foundation.
Can tree roots damage my foundation?
They can. In clay soil, large trees near the house draw moisture from under the foundation, causing the soil to shrink and the foundation to settle. A root barrier can redirect roots without removing the tree.
Warranty
What does the lifetime warranty cover?
Our lifetime warranty covers the piers and other covered work we install for as long as the home stands. Pier and beam shimming and wood repairs carry a separate limited warranty, and some situations — such as major alterations or unaddressed drainage problems — aren't covered.
Does the warranty transfer if I sell my home?
Yes. The warranty can be transferred to the new owner; contact us within 30 days of the title transfer to start the process. A transfer fee may apply.
Still have questions?
Call us or request a free inspection — no pressure, no obligation.