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Diamond Certified Category Report

San Mateo County – Foundation Contractors

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Engineered Soil Repairs, Inc.

(925) 405-5941
CONTACT

LICENSE 668184

DIAMOND CERTIFIED COMPANY REPORT

Engineered Soil Repairs, Inc. is a design/build construction company that provides solutions to soil-related problems, including landslide and creek bed repair; foundation underpinning, replacement and reinforcement; re-leveling; retaining walls; and drainage systems. Its clients include homeowners, property managers, attorneys, architects, and… Read more

Key Services

Foundation Repairs Retaining Walls Landslide Repairs Seawalls Creek Bank Stabilization Drainage and Earthquake Retrofitting

AREAS SERVED

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California

Diamond Certified Companies are Rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise.

  • Why this rating is the most accurate.
  • Our editors gather deep company info.
  • Performance is Guaranteed.

Diamond certified companies are top rated and guaranteed

Why Trust Diamond Certified Foundation Contractors Rated Highest in Quality?

Photo: Engineered Soil Repairs, Inc. (2011)

You are the customer. If your goal is to choose a foundation contractor that will deliver high customer satisfaction and quality, you’ll feel confident in choosing a Diamond Certified foundation company. Each has been rated Highest in Quality in the most accurate ratings process anywhere. And you’re always backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. Here’s why the Diamond Certified ratings and certification process will help you find a top-rated foundation contractor and is unparalleled in its accuracy, rigor and usefulness:

1) Accuracy: All research is performed by live telephone interviews that verify only real customers are surveyed, so you’ll never be fooled by fake reviews.

2) Statistical Reliability: A large random sample of past customers is surveyed on an ongoing basis so the research results you see truly reflect a Diamond Certified company’s top-rated status.

3) Full Disclosure: By clicking the name of a company above you’ll see the exact rating results in charts and read verbatim survey responses as well as researched articles on each qualified company.

4) Guaranteed: Your purchase is backed up with mediation and the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you can choose with confidence.

Click on the name of a Diamond Certified company above to read ratings results, researched articles and verbatim customer survey responses to help you make an informed decision.

More than 200,000 customers of local companies have been interviewed in live telephone calls, and only companies that score Highest in Quality in customer satisfaction–a 90+ on a 100 scale–as well as pass all of the credential-based ratings earn Diamond Certified. By requiring such a high score to qualify, the Diamond Certified program eliminates mediocre and poorly performing companies. Read detailed information about the ratings and certification process.

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SELECTED PHOTOS FROM THESE TOP RATED COMPANIES

  • Engineered Soil Repairs, Inc.

  • Engineered Soil Repairs, Inc.

  • In addition, it handles re-leveling, retaining walls and drainage systems.

  • Engineered Soil Repairs, Inc.

  • Engineered Soil Repairs, Inc.

  • Engineered Soil Repairs, Inc.

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INDUSTRY INFORMATION AND RESEARCHED ARTICLES BY THE DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESOURCE

INDUSTRY INFORMATION - San Mateo County – Foundation Contractors
Related Brands

  • ARDEX

  • Cemex

  • Curecrete
Popular Types of Foundations

slab foundations
basement foundations
brick foundations
industrial foundations
concrete foundations
pier & beam foundations
block foundations
limestone foundations
home foundations / residential foundations
commercial foundations
multi-residential building foundations

Types of Foundation Contractor Services Available in San Mateo County

foundation inspection services
foundation waterproofing
foundation leak repair
structural foundation repair
sinking foundation repair
foundation seismic retrofitting
foundation settling repair
foundation repairs
new house foundation pouring
foundation crack repair
foundation leveling

Cities Served

Atherton
Belmont
Brisbane
Broadmoor Village
Burlingame
Colma
Daly City
East Palo Alto
El Granada
Emerald Hills
Foster City
Half Moon Bay
Hillsborough
La Honda
Loma Mar
Menlo Park
Millbrae
Montara
Moss Beach
Pacifica
Palomar Park
Pescadero
Portola Valley
Princeton by the Sea
Redwood City
San Bruno
San Carlos
San Gregorio
San Mateo
Sharp Park
South SF
West Menlo Park
Woodside

Zip Codes Served

94002
94005
94010
94011
94014
94015
94016
94017
94018
94019
94020
94021
94025
94026
94027
94028
94030
94037
94038
94044
94060
94061
94062
94063
94064
94065
94066
94070
94074
94080
94083
94096
94098
94128
94401
94402
94403
94404

Associations and Licensing for Local Foundation Repair Contractors

Associated Builders and Contractors ABC (http://www.abc.org/)
America Associated General Contractors of America AGC (http://www.agc.org/)
American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) (http://www.ascconline.org/)
American Subcontractors Association ASA (http://www.assaonline.com/)
California Building Industry Association CBIA (http://www.cbia.org/)
California Department of Consumer Affairs DCA (www.dca.ca.gov)

Contractors State License Board CSLB (http://www.cslb.ca.gov/)
Home Builders Association of Northern California HBANC (http://www.hbanc.org/)
National Association of Home Builders NAHB (http://www.nahb.org/)
National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) (http://www.nari.org/)
North Coast Builders Exchange NCBE (http://www.ncbeonline.com/)
National Systems Contractors Association NSCA (http://www.nsca.org/)
National Utility Contractors Association NUCA (http://www.nuca.com/)

Know What You Want
What to Ask Yourself Before Hiring a Foundation Contractor in San Mateo County

You will want to consider many factors before selecting a foundation contractor in San Mateo County in the cities of Pacifica, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Foster City and Burlingame. If you take the time to consider your needs and what you want, then you will be able to choose a foundation contractor who can most successfully meet those needs and what you want. Write down everything that you are searching for before you begin your research. Consider the following questions before you choose your foundation contractor.

  • Do I want a Diamond Certified foundation company that is rated best in quality and backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee?
  • What is the specific foundation project I want built or repaired or remodeled?
  • What is my budget for having the foundation work done?
  • What is my timeline for completing the foundation work?
  • What personal and professional characteristics would I like my San Mateo County foundation contractor to have such as good communication skills, honesty, reliability, cleanliness, etc.?
  • Are there any changes I need to make before the foundation contractor begins their work?
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What To Ask In Person
Interviewing with a San Mateo County Foundation Contractor in Person

Once you’ve narrowed down the field to a few of the best foundation contractors, visit some in person to meet your representative. As you interview foundation contractors in San Mateo County, including the larger cities of Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Berkeley, and San Leandro you may want to ask the following questions.

  • What is your timeline for bidding the contract and completing the foundation work?
  • How do you price foundation work?
  • What type of warranty do you offer and what are the terms?
  • Are construction permits needed for this foundation work and, if so, will you be responsible for getting them?
  • Do you hire subcontractors for any of the foundation work?
  • What professional organizations do you belong to?
  • How and when do you clean up the construction site?
  • How many projects similar to mine have you completed?
  • What will you do with the trash and debris?
  • Do you carry workers’ compensation and liability insurance?
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  • What To Ask References
    Questions for References of a San Mateo County Foundation Contractor

    It’s best to choose a Diamond Certified foundation contractor because all certified companies have passed an in-depth ratings processthat most other companies can’t pass. If you want quality from a foundation contractor in San Mateo County and the greater Bay Area, you can have confidence choosing a Diamond Certified company. Diamond Certified reports are available online for all certified companies. And you’ll never be fooled by fake reviews. That’s because all research is performed in live telephone interviews of actual customers.

    If you can’t find a Diamond Certified foundation contractor within reach, you’ll have to do some research on your own. If you do, it’s wise to call some references provided by your foundation contractor. Keep in mind, though, that references provided to you by the foundation contractor are not equal in value to the large random sample of customers surveyed during the Diamond Certified ratings process. That’s because references given to customers from companies are cherry-picked instead of randomly selected from all their customers. So the contractors will likely give you a few customers to call that they know are satisfied.

    If you do call references on your own, specifically ask for a list of the company’s 10 most recent customers. This will help avoid them giving you the names of only customers they know were satisfied.

    • Were you satisfied with the service from the foundation contractor?
    • Did the contractor seem receptive to your input?
    • Did the foundation contractor provide answers to questions to your satisfaction?
    • Were there any unexpected costs? If so, what where they?
    • Did the foundation contractor keep you up to date on the status of your project?
    • If you live in a smaller town such as Montara, Moss Beach, Palomar Park and Pescadero, did you have to pay extra for their travel expenses to your home?
    • Did the foundation contractor clean up after completing the job?
    • Do you feel like the foundation contractor charged a fair price for the quality of the work?
    • Did the foundation contractor show up on time?
    • If you need a foundation contractor in the future, will you consider hiring this foundation contractor?
    • What type of foundation project did you hire the foundation contractor to complete?
    • Would you recommend this foundation contractor to your family and friends?
    • Did they finish the job on time?
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  • Review Your Options
    Choosing the Right Foundation Contractor for You in San Mateo County

    The Diamond Certified symbol has been awarded to companies that scored Highest in Quality in an accurate ratings process.

    Your choice of a foundation contractor is very important to you and your family. Before deciding on the best foundation contractor in San Mateo County in the cities of Daly City, San Mateo, Redwood City, South San Francisco and San Bruno for you, it’s important to consider the following questions.

    • What is my time frame for this foundation project: when do I intend to begin it and when do I need to have it completed?
    • Is my foundation contractor of choice charging a reasonable price for quality work?
    • Is my foundation contractor listed in the Better Business Bureau as having complaints filed against him? If so, were they valid complaints that required disciplinary action?
    • Is the foundation contractor’s estimate within my budget?
    • Can the foundation contractor in San Mateo County meet your needs when it comes to scheduling, customer service and experience?
    • Which foundation contractors in San Mateo County offer the better warranty?
    • Is my foundation contractor well-established in the community?
    • Does my foundation contractor of choice have good references that I have checked?
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  • How To Work With
    Getting an Accurate Estimate from Your Foundation Contractor in San Mateo County

    After you have found a San Mateo County foundation contractor that you can trust, you will have peace of mind as you get ready for your foundation work. Once you’ve hired a foundation contractor in San Mateo County, including the smaller cities of Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane and Broadmoor Village, you will have an initial meeting between you and the contractor to discuss your requirements for your foundation work and the contractor’s qualifications. An estimate of the project and its feasibility is drawn out. Furthermore, you will discuss the budget and design of the foundation project as well as any restrictions that apply and permits that will be needed.

    Use the notes that you have taken so you can accurately describe any concerns that you have. Be very detailed and don’t be in a rush. It is as important for you to hear their suggestions and observations as it is for them to hear you. If you don’t understand something, ask questions. Your foundation contractor should be able to explain the foundation work so that you understand the process of what the job entails.

    The estimate should include an itemized list of the cost of supplies and the labor. Be sure to get all estimates in writing before any work begins. Don’t ever sign a blank estimate.

    It is important for you to completely comprehend the foundation project. The contractor will provide you with an estimate based on the specifications. He will also offer choices. Once the final contract has been drawn, the next step will be applying for permits. Last of all, the construction and financing process will begin.

    Committing to a San Mateo County Foundation Contractor by Signing a Contract

    When you feel satisfied with the information you have received from your San Mateo County foundation contractor, you are ready to sign the contract. Be sure that they have a phone number where you can be reached at all times. Once the contract is drawn up, it should be signed by both parties: you and the foundation contractor. If any sub-contractors will be involved, they should sign the contract as well. The contract should protect the interests of both you and the contractor. Expect the foundation contractor to stay within the estimate. However, if the actual cost exceeds the original amount of the estimate, they must get your approval before moving ahead.

    You contract should include the following:

    • A clear, concise, and complete description of the project, including start and completion dates. It should also include who will be responsible for each aspect of the project.
    • Detailed materials list: product, size, color, type, model, and brand name. Any additional or alternate materials that may be used if necessary should also be listed.
    • A payment schedule as well as the terms for the contractor, subcontractor(s) and suppliers.
    • Any oral or verbal promises the foundation contractor made.
    • Warranties should be written and the length of time as well as limitations should be covered. Warranties should cover materials and workmanship, and names and addresses of the warrantor. This may include the contractor, manufacturer, and distributor.
    • How “change orders” will be handled. Any changes or additions to the project should be written up in the contract so that the conditions for change are pre-determined.
    • Furthermore, the contract should list how and when payment will be made for adjustments.
    • Contractor’s name, physical address, mailing address and phone.
    • The estimate or quote of the project.
    • Who will be responsible for obtaining necessary permits (this is usually the contractor).

    How to Get Ready for Your San Mateo County Foundation Contractor

    Professional foundation contractors are able to handle the very small to very large aspects of their work. However, depending on if you are having a brand new project or having foundation repair there are some things that you can do to prepare for them and to make their progress in your foundation work go more smoothly. Doing these things may even cut down on their labor costs and can keep your home and belongings from being damaged.

    Remove any furniture or movable items from the area. Before they begin work on your foundation job, remove all of the objects that may be in the way such as barbecues or lawn chairs.

    Provide parking space and room for their work vehicles to maneuver. Foundation contractors have large vehicles that require more space than average. Contact your contractor before they begin building and ask them how many parking spaces they need and how much room they need for oversized vehicles. It is also helpful to walk through the area with your contractor so any hazards or clearance issues can be pointed out before the actual work begins.

    Keep your pets and children away from the area. Your foundation contractor will be focused on your project and should not have to watch out for your pets or children at any time. This not only prevents accidents and injury but also any expense that comes from accidents that may happen because of children and pets being in the way.

    Trim plants and bushes that are in the way of your foundation area. You can save money and time by preparing the area for building by trimming or removing any plants, trees or bushes that are in the way. Ask your contractor what they recommend and the amount of space they require.

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  • Be a Good Customer
    Keys to Being a Good Customer for Your San Mateo County Foundation Contractor

    It’s the foundation contractor’s responsibility put in a quality foundation using the best possible installation techniques. But you play a big part in the success of the building of your foundation, too. Here are a few simple steps you can take to be a good customer when hiring a foundation contractor.

    • Be clear and upfront with the foundation contractor. Let them know what you want from your foundation contractor, the long-term outcome you’re expecting and specific ways they can satisfy your expectations.
    • Ask your foundation contractor if you should call to check on the progress or if he will call you with updates.
    • When your contractor contacts you, return calls promptly to keep the foundation contractor on schedule.
    • Pay for the foundation contractor work promptly.
    • Remember, a friendly smile goes a long way!
    • Before you hire a foundation contractor in San Mateo County, restate your expectations and goals, and reiterate to the foundation contractor representative your understanding of the agreement. Most problems with local foundation contractors occur because of a breakdown in communication. By being clear about your expectations and theirs, you can avoid most conflicts.
    • Be sure your service representative has a phone number where they can reach you at all times while they’re building your foundation. The work will move along more smoothly if your foundation contractor can reach you for any necessary updates, questions or work authorizations.

    Why would you want to be a good customer? Foundation contractors in San Mateo County appreciate customers who are straightforward, honest and easy to work with. Your good customer behavior sets the tone from your end and creates an environment conducive to a good relationship. Things may very well go smoother and any problems may be more easily resolved.

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Check The Work
Verify the San Mateo County Foundation Contractor's Work with the Invoice

When the foundation contract work is completed, your foundation contractor is required to give you a written invoice. This must include:

  • The name and physical address of the foundation contractor
  • The total foundation project cost, including the amount charged for labor
  • A list of all work performed, including the warranty
  • An itemized list of all merchandise purchased or included
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Written Warranties
Warranties for Your Foundation Work from Your San Mateo County Foundation Contractor

Most good foundation contractors will offer some type of warranty on the foundation. Before the foundation contractor leaves, confirm any warranties offered by the foundation contractor in San Mateo County, including the larger cities of Daly City, San Mateo, Redwood City, South San Francisco and San Bruno. All details of the warranty should be provided to you in writing. The written warranty document must detail the following:

  • The foundation contractor’s name and physical address.
  • The length of time as well as limitations should be covered. Warranties should cover materials and workmanship, and names and addresses of the warrantor. This may include the contractor, manufacturer, and distributor.
  • If the foundation contractor warranty coverage is transferrable to the new owner in the event that you sell the home.
  • Your responsibility in the case of a problem with the foundation project and what you need to do in order to redeem the warranty.
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Top 10 Requests
Most Popular San Mateo County Foundation Contractor Services

Popular foundation service requests made of foundation contractors in San Mateo County are listed below.

Basement Waterproofing

Basement waterproofing is the permanent sealing of a basement from water leakage.

Foundation Inspection Services

Foundation inspection services is the process of having your foundation inspected before and after repair to be sure that it has been done correctly.

Foundation Leak Repair

Foundation leak repair is the repairing of a foundation so that water cannot leak in or around it causing damage.

Foundation Repairs

Foundation repairs are repairs that are made to the foundation of a home.

New House Foundation Pouring

New house foundation pouring is the pouring of the foundation for a new structure.

Sinking Foundation Repair

Sinking foundation repair is the repair of a foundation that is sinking to return it to its original position and level.

Foundation Settling Repair

Foundation settling repair is the repair of a house that has moved from its original elevation to a level below that elevation.

Basement Foundations

Basement foundations are foundations for a basement which may be completely or partly below the ground floor.

Structural Foundation Repair

Structural foundation repair is the repair of the structural foundation.

House Leveling

House leveling is the process of moving a house and foundation back to its original position after it has moved from that position.

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Glossary Of Terms
Glossary of Terms for Foundation Contractors and Foundation Repairs

active zone
Active zone is referring to how deep it is to the soil instability or movement.

Also known as: seasonal zone

base & block foundation
Base & block foundation refers to homes that were usually built before 1950 without a grade beam. The foundation is based on footings.

basement cracks
Basement cracks refer to cracks that occur in basement walls, ceilings or floors.

basement restoration
Basement restoration refers to the restoring or repair of a basement.

Also known as: basement repair, basement crack repair, basement wall crack repair

basement waterproofing
Basement waterproofing is the process of completing a basement so that it is waterproof.

Also known as: waterproofing basement

builder piers
Builder piers are poured to hold the grade beam in place but are placed at a low level where they may fail and need more pier supports.

Also known as: builder pier

catch basin
Catch basin is used to control water by directing it into a pipe.

clay
Clay occurs naturally and is malleable when wet but hard when heated.

concrete
Concrete is made from aggregate components and cement and is used for foundations, sidewalks and walkways, etc.

concrete breakout
Concrete breakout is an obstruction of concrete at the location of the pier.

dormancy period
Dormancy period is the time that concrete remains workable.

footing
Footing is usually concrete and is a section in rectangular form and supports a foundation wall.

Also known as: footings

forms
Forms are holders for concrete where it is allowed to harden.

Also known as: form

foundation
Foundation is what supports a structure – usually below the first floor and it includes the footings.

general contractors
General contractors manage all aspects of a project. This includes hiring and supervising subcontractors, obtaining materials and building permits, and scheduling inspections.

Also known as: certified general contractors, association of general contractors

home remodeling designs & construction
In this method, the design and construction services are contracted by a single contractor or business known as the design-build contractor to remodel a home.

Also known as: home remodeling design, remodeling design, home remodeling contractors, kitchen remodeling design, home remodeling kitchen, kitchen remodeling designs, home construction remodeling, home remodeling plans, homes remodeling, room additions, home remodeling contractor, house remodeling plans, home remodeling companies, home remodeling additions, remodeling designs, home remodeling company

house foundation
House foundation is the foundation or a house that is in direct contact with the soil.

Also known as: foundation

house leveling
House leveling is the leveling of a foundation of a house so that the house is level.

leaky basement
Leaky basement is a basement that may have cracks or other openings to allow water to leak into it.

masonry
Masonry is building materials or units that form a pier or wall, etc.

pier
Pier is a column (made from masonry) which is used for support of other structural items.

plumbing report
Plumbing report is a report of the plumbing before and after a home foundation is being repaired.

pour
Pour is to cast concrete.

Also known as: cast

reinforcing
Reinforcing is the placement of steel rods in concrete slabs or columns to increase the strength of the structure.

settling
Settling is the moving of a house foundation from its original elevation to below that elevation resulting in cracks.

slump test
Slump test is to test the concrete to determine its workability.

specialty contractors
Specialty contractors install particular aspects of a project such as the plumbing or foundation work.

standard bid
The traditional cost that is associated with the materials and labor needed to construct the project.

subcontractor
Any constructor who contracts to perform parts of the work of a project that the original contractor contacted to do.

Also known as: subcontractor agreement template, subcontractor agreement, subcontractor agreement form, sample subcontractor agreement, subcontractor agreement, subcontractor agreement construction, subcontractors insurance, insurance for subcontractors

termite shield
Termite shield is a guard that is usually made of metal that is place in or on the foundation to prevent termites.

underpinning
Underpinning modifies an already existing foundation to make it more stable.

upheaval
Upheaval is where a house foundation has moved and this usually causes cracks throughout the house.

water leaks
Water leaks are leaks usually related to the plumbing and they cause problems for foundations.

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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions for Foundation Contractors

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified foundation contractor?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a local foundation contractor with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the countryis most in-depth rating process. Only foundation contractors rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies canit pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So youill feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified foundation contractor.

Q: What happens if I have a foundation problem and I donit fix them?
A: The foundation will probably only get worse and cause additional problems. It can also cause damage to other parts of the house which in turn leads to more cost. Your property will lose value and make it difficult to sell should you choose to do so.

Q: When is the best time to choose a foundation contractor?
A: The best time to select a foundation contractor is at the beginning of your foundation project. It is important that the foundation contractor be able to participate in discussions in order to ensure clear communication of important information.

Q: How will having my foundation repaired affect the plumbing?
A: Any time you have a foundation that settles or has problems, the plumbing can be damaged. Also, if there is a need to lift the house and return it to its original position, this can damage the plumbing. Your foundation contractor may recommend that you get a plumbing contractor to test before and after your foundation work is completed.

Q: How long do I have to wait after foundation repairs to fix cracks in walls and drywalling?
A: You need to ask your foundation contractor for specific instructions as it will depend on how much your home has moved from the foundation and how much it needs to be lifted. The walls will need some time to settle and adjust. Generally, the recommendation is to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks after foundation repairs have been made.

Q: How is the cost determined?
A: The cost is determined by the specific job but there are other factors that will affect the price. If it is necessary to drill through concrete, the cost may be higher. Other issues that affect price are if trees and bushes are in the way and if the workers only have a small crawl space.

Q: Is foundation repair expensive?
A: You will be surprised to know that an average repair isnit as expensive as most people are expecting. An average foundation repair usually costs between $5,000 and $8,000.

Q: When the foundation is repaired, is there a chance they will damage the landscaping?
A: Your foundation contractor will do everything they can to do minimal damage to your landscaping. However, there are times that some of the landscaping will need to be removed to allow for the foundation to be accessed.

Q: How long will the process of repairing my foundation take?
A: Your foundation contractor will be able to give you an estimate on how long the repair will take. It will depend on the difficulty of the repair. On average, an average foundation repairs takes 1-3 days but it could be much longer than this.

Q: Is there a chance that the foundation repair could cause more cracks?
A: Yes, that is a possibility. It may also close existing cracks. The foundation repair should return your home as close as possible to its original position. Your foundation contractor will do their best to limit any further damage to your house. However it is not unusual to see small cracks in the drywall appear after the repair.

Q: Is it necessary to disclose the foundation repair if I sell my home?
A: Yes, you will need to show the warranty to the people buying your home. Also, there will be engineeris reports that will need to be disclosed. A real estate agent can also help you with the process of disclosure.

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