Why Getting Foundation Repair Done Right Is So Difficult—and Expensive!

In recent years, the foundation repair industry in Texas has deteriorated significantly. It seems everyone is now in the foundation repair business. Just take a look around: roofers are “fixing” foundations, plumbers are “fixing” foundations, and for all I know, even butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers are jumping on the bandwagon. I guess this is what happens when there is no oversite on the contractors.

I’m serious—many, if not most, of the people who were in the business for a number of years and developed these well-respected companies have left the business and have sold their good company names to scammers.

These new owners will try and convince you that fixing a foundation simply involves inserting some cheap concrete cylinders a few feet into the ground, charging customers exorbitant fees, and calling it a day. Unfortunately, that’s far from the truth.

While it is possible to “level,” or temporarily straighten, many homes with foundation damage using enough piers—such as the so-called concrete cylinder piers—the real issue is that the piers used by most inexperienced foundation repair contractors don’t penetrate deep enough into the clay soils to mitigate the shrink-swell behavior of the clay.

To achieve proper, long-term foundation repair at a fair price, four essential elements must be in place:

1. Someone who understands the root cause of the problem.
2. Someone who will implement effective long-term solutions.
3. Someone who will ensures that the work is done correctly and at a reasonable cost.
4. Someone who will stand behind their work.

These objectives can best be met by hiring an experienced, independent, fee-paid foundation repair consultant whose loyalty lies with you, the customer and does not profit based on their recommendations.

With over forty years of experience assisting homeowners and property managers with foundation issues, I have encountered numerous challenges in the foundation repair industry. It’s crucial for anyone experiencing signs of foundation movement to consider consulting an independent, fee-based Foundation Repair Consultant for informed guidance and not rely on commissioned bases high pressure salespeople. Here are some key points to be aware of:

1. Lack of Licensing Requirements: Unlike many states, Texas does not mandate a specific license for foundation repair contractors. This absence of regulation can lead to inexperienced operators entering the field, resulting in potentially unreliable practices.
2. Presence of High-Pressure Sales Tactics: The minimal oversight in the industry has given rise to inexperienced commissioned salespeople who may employ aggressive tactics to sell unnecessary piers at inflated prices. This can put homeowners at a financial disadvantage.
3. Reliance on Freelance Crews: Some foundation repair companies, including well-known brands, hire freelance crews rather than trained professionals. This can undermine the quality of work and accountability, affecting the overall success of repairs.
4. Improper Use of Elevation Measurement Tools: High-pressure salespeople often possess elevation measurement tools but may lack the expertise to interpret the data accurately. Without proper baseline measurements, determining appropriate repair solutions can become a guessing game, leading to expensive mistakes.
5. Underlying Causes of Foundation Damage: Many foundation issues initially present as cosmetic problems, often stemming from uneven moisture levels around and beneath the structure. These issues can frequently be addressed through improved drainage and leak repairs rather than invasive methods like piers.
6. Binding Arbitration Clauses: Many contracts from foundation repair companies include binding arbitration clauses, which limit homeowners' options for legal recourse in case of disputes. This can place consumers at a significant disadvantage.
7. Warranties Favoring Contractors: Typical warranties from these companies often focus on vertical settlement of installed piers, neglecting other potential foundation problems like upheaval. As a result, these warranties tend to protect contractors more than homeowners.

Options for Repairs and Prevention

When foundation lifting is necessary, several considerations must be made, including:

• Types of Piers: Options range from concrete drilled or pushed piers to helical and hybrid configurations. Each type has distinct advantages and applications.
• Lifting Methods: Consider whether foam or mud jacking is appropriate for your situation.

It is also a fact that at least forty percent of piers sold in some areas of expansive soils are NOT needed. ?In place of piers bad drainage and leaking pipes need to be corrected and the property will return to near “as built”

• Drainage Solutions: Effective drainage might involve surface drains, French drains, swales, berms, or proper grading to redirect water away from the foundation.
• Plumbing Repairs: Identify and address leaks from incoming or outgoing plumbing, pools, irrigation systems, or city services.

?????????????? Don’t rely on a pier salesperson when piers are likely not the best solution!

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Here are several additional considerations where I can provide assistance:

1.????? Determining if a foundation has heaved or settled requires original as-built elevations and a benchmark keyed to sea-level for accurate comparison. Simple elevations alone will not help.

2.????? In North Texas, poor drainage and leaks are more common causes of foundation issues than settlement.

3.????? With duplexes, four-plexus, and other structures where multiple units are built on a single slab, foundation damage in one unit typically affects multiple units, spreading responsibilities for repairs.

4.????? Crawl spaces should be dry before piering or shimming to prevent repair failures.

5.????? It's advisable to flush French drains at least once a year, preferably twice, to prevent clogging.

6.????? When leaks are suspected under the slab, conduct tests before considering piers. Allowing soils to dry for several months after fixing leaks often restores the structure close to its original state, potentially avoiding the need for piers. Alternatively, installing piers before fixing leaks may lead to reversed problems, especially if areas that had heaved are not addressed.

7.????? The same principle applies to correcting negative drainage. Addressing drainage issues and promptly installing piers without allowing soil to dry may lead to reversed foundation problems.

8.????? Numbers six and seven above are main reasons for foundation repair failures.

These are a few of the critical considerations where unscrupulous pier contractors may attempt to take advantage. For a reliable solution, let me assist you in ensuring the job is done correctly.

Conclusion

The foundation repair industry in Texas presents several challenges for homeowners and property managers. From misleading sales practices to biased contracts and warranties, navigating the repair landscape can be complex.

For unbiased guidance and education on foundation repairs, I invite you to contact Richard Rash, an independent, fee-based Foundation Repair Consultant. My approach focuses on understanding soil behavior and building dynamics rather than simply selling piers. With over forty years of experience, my priority is to provide valuable insights; if I can’t assist you, I do not expect to be compensated.

For more information, please call or text me at 817-308-8186.

You may also wish to consider my new foundation repair book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6BZNTV5