Questions Homeowners Need to Ask During Foundation Repair Inspections

You know that your home needs its foundation repaired, and you are beginning to get quotes on the project. When the foundation repair inspector visits your home, they are not just a foundation repair technician; they are also a salesperson. We have put together a list of questions that you need to ask so that you are not sold services that you do not need. 

Step 1: Diagnosing the Foundation Repair Problem

Before the technician begins to provide solutions, be sure that they have found the reason behind the foundation repair issue. 

• What was the cause of the shift in the foundation? Is it dry soil, an underground pipe that is leaking, or hydrostatic pressure from the rain? If the technician has not diagnosed the issue, the repair will only be a temporary fix. 
• Is the foundation still moving or are the cracks dormant? Ask how they have determined the difference between the two.
• Is the repair cosmetic or structural? There is a huge difference in cost between a cosmetic repair versus a structural repair.

Step 2: Evaluate the Proposed Solution

Once they have proposed a solution, thoroughly vet it.

• Why did you choose the repair method? (Piering/Anchors/Carbon Fiber) An experienced inspector should be able to properly explain the reason behind the choice and the benefits over the other options. 
• Are you stabilizing the house or lifting it back to level? Stabilizing prevents the foundation from getting any worse; Lifting attempts to level the floors and close any cracks, but it comes with the risk of cracking pipes and drywall. 

Step 3: The Business Side of Your Foundation Repair Quote

• Does this quote have a lifetime transferable warranty? This is extremely important in case you ever sell your home. If the warranty is not transferable, the repair adds nothing to your home’s value. 
• Are you a foundation repair contractor or are you installing a “foundation repair system”? Installing hardware store materials is completely different than using engineered parts. 
• Will an engineer sign off on your proposal? Some cities in Kentucky and Indiana require a structural engineer’s PE stamp for foundation permits. Ask if that’s included in the price.

• What is the depth of refusal in this area? It is important that they have researched how deep piers will need to be installed to hit solid rock. If they do not know, they have not researched the area and may not have the experience to sufficiently conduct the foundation repair. 

Secure Your Home with Foundation Repair

Don’t leave the structural integrity of your home to chance or high-pressure sales tactics. Our experienced team provides honest evaluations and engineered solutions tailored to your specific soil and stabilization needs. Call Affordable Concrete Solutions at 270-635-3324 today to schedule your free quote and protect your investment for a lifetime!