WHAT SHOULD BE EXPECTED OF A FOUNDATION REPAIR CONTRACTOR?

Unlike many other repairs on structures, repairs on foundations require knowledge, expertise and experience to ensure a professional result. The first part of any repair is an initial investigation and some sort of Foundation Failure Report that explains the extent of the problem and the repair solutions. Specifics like changes in elevation, foundation line loads and pier spacing must be calculated to guard against further foundation failure during the repair process.

 
Once the failure and repair options have been determined, a fixed price should be presented by the contractor. As with any product or service, price can vary from one extreme to the other. Typically, when prices do vary, it is more of an issue of quotes on different types of repairs. If this is the case, it is important to consider which method of repair is best suited for the structure and quotes be compared on an "apples to apples" bases.

 
If all quotes are on the same repair, prices should not vary by much since most of the costs are on the materials themselves (which all contractors pay approximately the same price) and labor. Experienced and talented labor is not cheap, so care should be taken when considering the lowest price contractor on major repairs to any structure. The future of the structure may depend on the talent and skills of the labor used to do the repairs and the reputation of the contractor.

 
Unlike quotes for small or simple repairs, many foundation repair contractors will charge a fee for their on-site inspection and a Foundation Failure Report. These fees can range from $200 to over $1,000 and will often be deducted from the price of the job if ordered.

 
After the piers have been installed, the contractor should supply a report containing all the hydraulic measurements and depths that the piers where installed. This is important data that should be saved during the life of the structure.

Up-Rite Foundation will be able to help you identify the source of your foundation failure.

• Learn about Spotting Foundation Failure

• Learn how to identify the Symptoms of Foundation Failure

• Learn how to read a soils report

• Learn about the types of piers

• Learn about alternative repair methods

• What should be expected of a foundation repair professional?

• Learn about piers and hillside homes

• Causes of foundation failure