10 Questions to Ask About Foundation Repair

The foundation repair process can seem overwhelming. You may have known that your foundation needed attention for a while, but a new crack in the wall just launched it to the top of your list of priorities.

You’re probably anxious, and surely you have questions – and the foundation repair contractors at URETEK Gulf Coast have answers.

10 Foundation Repair Questions to Ask

After 20 years of serving customers with our award-winning foundation repair in Houston, we’ve identified some frequently asked questions that might help put your mind at ease.

The following 10 questions to ask about foundation repair will help improve your understanding of the foundation repair options at your disposal.

1. How Long Does Foundation Repair Take?

Congratulations on catching the signs of foundation problems early enough to make the necessary repairs. In fact, most homeowners have several repair options to choose from. But, how long does it take to fix a foundation in different scenarios?

When you opt for URETEK foam foundation repair, your repair time will take about one day (on average). Alternatively, concrete piling foundation repair takes an average of two and a half days.

The length of your unique foundation repair can vary due to several factors. The sooner you can get an assessment from our experts, the better chance we have of getting the job done quickly.

2. What Does Your Foundation Repair Warranty Servicing Process Look Like?

The URETEK ICR Gulf Coast team is very good about servicing our warranties. Many other companies take months to even do a warranty check. You can learn more about our foundation repair warranty on our site.

3. When Can I Complete Cosmetic Repairs?

After your home foundation repair in Houston, you may hear creaking from the structure settling into its new elevation. You may notice new cracks in some areas and some existing cracks that have closed.

It’s important to remember that we’re there to make structural repairs. We want to stabilize the foundation and bring the foundation to a flatter plane to avoid further structural issues. We are not there to make foundation crack repairs.

We recommend that you wait 45 days after your repair before making cosmetic repairs.

4. How Should I Prepare My Home?

Generally, you don’t need to make any preparations for our foundation repair team. Our employees can move furniture within reason. However, if the furniture includes a lot of breakables, we may ask that you secure those first.

5. How Much Does Foundation Repair Cost?

Residential polyurethane foam foundation repairs typically average around $5,000. Our residential concrete pile foundation repairs cost around $8,000.

For our commercial foundation repair solutions, URETEK foam foundation repairs are typically in the ball-park of $16,000. Our average foundation repair cost for pressed piles is also around $16,000.

Your foundation repair is unique, so contact us today for a free estimate! We also have a foundation repair calculator tool that homeowners can use to get a rough estimate.

6. Is a Structural Engineer’s Report Needed for Foundation Repairs?

No, but your city may require that the foundation repair company submit a repair plan with an engineer-stamped drawing before issuing a work permit. This is something that a responsible foundation repair company will take care of before doing work.

From the property owner’s perspective, an engineer’s report is good because it provides an unbiased evaluation and, possibly, a ready-to-use repair plan that you can share with your contractor. However, an engineer’s report does cost money and will add to the overall cost.

From our team’s perspective, an engineer’s report is helpful because it provides a good drawing and elevation survey of the property, but not always necessary. The URETEK ICR Gulf Coast team will generally know when to recommend a structural engineer’s report, or when it’s safe to carry out the repairs without the added cost.

See what the City of Houston Building Code says about foundation repairs.

7. Are You Insured and Bonded for Foundation Repairs?

URETEK ICR Gulf Coast is insured with general liability of $1M, and umbrella coverage at $5M. We can get bonded when your project requires it. Generally public projects will require bonding from our team, so feel free to mention your situation early in the process so we can expedite your results.

8. Do You Carry Texas Workers’ Comp Insurance?

URETEK ICR Gulf Coast carries $1M in Texas Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage. Doing things right, and not cutting corners is what has allowed us to win seven consecutive Winner of Distinction Awards from the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas.

9. Is Your Crew Mostly Employees vs. Subcontractors?

Our foundation repair and plumbing repair crews are employees. The company pays for their health insurance, paid time off, and sick time.

10. Do You Do Soil Tests Before Your Foundation Repairs?

We do not do soil tests before work. If we come to a home or building that has a history of shifting and repeated foundation repairs, then we may refer you to an engineer. Generally, an engineer will recommend that a soil test be completed if your structure is acting strange. Since we’re not engineers and don’t use engineers unless necessary (see #6 above), we don’t do soil tests.

Leave Your Houston Foundation Repair to the Experts at URETEK Gulf Coast!

Get a free foundation repair estimate from URETEK ICR Gulf Coast today! Our award-winning services can help your mind, and your foundation, rest easy.

Does your home have foundation damage? Whether it's a crack, a gap, or even a sunken section, any foundation issue can lead to big problems and be a major source of stress for any homeowner. Foundation damage can lead to structural issues, moisture problems, and a wide range of other complications. It's important to hire a foundation repair contractor who has the necessary experience and knowledge to make sure your foundation problems are correctly diagnosed and properly repaired. However, if you've never experienced foundation issues before, you may not know exactly what to look for in a foundation repair company. Below are seven essential questions to ask any foundation repair contractor before you make a decision.

1. How Long Have You Been in Business?

You want someone who has repaired issues similar to yours many times. That means they should have enough experience to understand your problem and know how to fix it. Look for contractors with at least a few years of experience – they will have seen most foundation issues before and know how to handle them best. Believe it or not, there are many different types of foundation damage. Not all foundation contractors have the same focus. Ask what type of foundation repair work they specialize in, as foundation damage can vary greatly. For example, some contractors may have experience with foundation settlement and piering, while others may be more experienced with basement waterproofing or crack repairs. Some contractors only work on foundation wall stabilization. You want to find the right contractor for your specific issue or one who offers comprehensive service. Ask about their experience and their specialty to make sure they're the right fit for your job.

2. Are You Insured and Licensed?

Insurance and licensing are critical for any contractor who works in your home. That's especially true for contractors who work on your foundation, which is an integral component of your house's structure. If they're not insured, you could be liable for any accidents or other damage that takes place on your property. If they're not licensed, there's probably a reason why. Perhaps they never applied for licensing because they don't have the proper qualifications and know they won't get approved. Whatever the issue, any reputable contractor should be licensed. Ask for proof of insurance and make sure that it covers any potential damage caused by the contractor while on your property. Remember that many states require foundation professionals to be licensed. This means they have been tested for knowledge in foundation repair methods and are certified to do such work. If a contractor can't provide either of these qualifications, you may want to think twice before hiring them.

3. Do You Provide a Warranty?

Foundation repairs can be costly. In fact, according to HomeAdvisor, the average residential foundation repair costs more than $4,600. Your house needs a sound foundation to ensure its integrity, so this is an important investment. However, that's a lot of money to spend without a guarantee that the work will be high-quality. Reputable contractors should stand by their work and provide at least a year's warranty on their services. That should be long enough to give you peace of mind that the repair was done correctly. If issues arise within that timeframe, it's possible the repair wasn't done correctly or there were other issues that the contractor didn't find the first time. Either way, they should fall under warranty coverage. Ask what type of warranty they offer, and make sure that it covers any foundation-related issues you may encounter in the future. You should also be certain to get all warranties in writing before beginning any foundation project.

4. Can I See Examples of Your Previous Work?

It's always a good idea to ask for references or look at photos of projects the contractor has completed in the past. This will help you determine if they are capable of handling your foundation issue properly and give you an idea of their level of experience. It also gives them a chance to demonstrate their proficiency in repairing your type of foundation issue. A trustworthy foundation repair company should be able to provide plenty of references or show off its portfolio of completed projects. If they can't provide pictures, testimonials, or other proof of their body of work, you may want to consider other options.

5. What Techniques Do You Use?

There are several different techniques contractors can use to repair foundations. For example, some contractors will use patches and masonry to seal cracks. Others could use slabjacking, which involves the injection of a solution into the foundation. Another technique is to use pilings to return a sunken foundation to the appropriate level. Foundation repair techniques vary depending on the severity and type of foundation damage, so it's important to ask what methods your contractor plans to use for your foundation problem. Being familiar with the option your contractor has selected can help you better understand your project as it progresses and enable you to communicate with your service provider throughout the process.

6. How Much Will My Repairs Cost?

A foundation repair can be costly, but the price depends on many different factors. It's essential that you understand the full scope of the repairs that are needed as well as their associated costs. Ask your foundation repair contractor for an itemized quote that covers labor, materials, and any additional services they may provide such as inspections and foundation monitoring. Also, be sure to ask what factors could cause the estimate to change. For example, could the contractor run into issues that will cause the price to go up? It's not uncommon for contractors to discover additional problems once they begin the work. Make sure to ask for a quote before making a decision so you can budget appropriately.

7. When Can You Start and How Long Will It Take?

Time is of the essence when it comes to foundation repairs, so be sure to ask your foundation contractor how quickly they can begin working on your issue. A delay creates more opportunities for moisture, air, insects, and more to get into your home. A good foundation repair contractor should have all the necessary equipment and personnel in order to start work quickly and get the job done right. Also, ask how long they believe it will take to complete the job. There may be factors that they can't be aware of until they start. For example, they could discover additional complications that will take more time to address. Inclement weather could prevent them from working on certain days. There are some things that are beyond the contractor's control. However, an experienced and reputable contractor should be able to provide an estimated timeline for completing the project.

Do you have a foundation issue that needs to be repaired quickly? Contact our team at Foundations First Northwest today. Our team of foundation experts can inspect the issue, recommend a solution, and provide a reasonable quote and timeline. Your foundation is too important to wait. Every day that passes creates another chance for the issue to get worse and for your home to suffer damage. Let's connect today and start the process of getting your foundation back to the way it should be.