Foundation Repair & Waterproofing FAQs

Yes. Homeowner inspections are free. We'll look at your foundation and basement, explain what's causing the problem and give you a written estimate, with no obligation and no pressure to decide on the spot.

We examine the foundation walls, floor and visible cracks inside, look at grading, downspouts and drainage outside and measure any wall movement. Then we explain what we found in plain language and walk you through your repair options.

Most inspections are completed in a single visit. The time depends on the size of the home and what we find, and we'd rather take the time to get it right than rush a diagnosis.

Yes. Sometimes the answer is a downspout extension or monitoring a crack, not a foundation repair. We'll tell you honestly, even when it means less work for us.

Yes. We need access to the basement and the outside of the house, and it's the best chance to ask questions and see exactly what we're seeing.

When the soil around your home becomes saturated, water pressure builds against the walls and under the floor and pushes water through cracks, the joint where the wall meets the floor and failing drainage. See basement waterproofing.

Drain tile is perforated pipe around your footing that collects groundwater and carries it to a sump pump or away from the house. Water returning to the same spots, seepage along the base of the walls and a sump that stays dry while the basement gets wet are common signs it has failed.

Each has its place. Interior drain tile and a sump pump manage water that reaches the foundation, often without disturbing your yard. Exterior waterproofing stops water at the outside of the wall. We recommend whichever fits your home and how the water is getting in.

If your basement is finished, your pump runs often or you store anything valuable below grade, a battery backup is strongly recommended. Storms often knock out power right when your pump needs to run.

It's efflorescence, minerals left behind as water evaporates out of the wall. It isn't harmful on its own, but it means moisture is moving through your foundation.

Usually, yes. A musty smell almost always means moisture is getting in somewhere. Once we find the source, it can typically be corrected with crack repair, drainage or waterproofing.

It depends on the problem, the size of the area and the repair it needs, which is why we don't quote prices sight unseen. After a free inspection, you'll get a written estimate for the specific work your home needs.

Coverage varies by policy, and many policies exclude damage from settling or soil movement. Check with your insurance agent about your specific policy.

Structural foundation repairs and new egress window openings typically require a permit from your city or village. We'll explain what your project requires.

Many of our repairs are warranty-backed. Your written estimate will spell out the warranty that applies to the specific work we're recommending.