What to Look For
A typical inspection follows the same pattern: the contractor walks the property, looks at the structure from the outside, then goes through the interior systematically. Cracks in drywall or brick, sticking doors or windows, sloping floors, gaps along baseboards — these are the things a trained inspector is looking to spot and interpret. Sometimes what looks alarming turns out to be cosmetic. Sometimes a hairline crack signals something that needs immediate attention. You'll get an honest answer about which is which, along with a clear explanation of what's causing it rather than just a repair quote.
- Exterior walk: brick and siding checked for stair-step cracking, gaps at corners, and any visible separation between the structure and the foundation.
- Interior walk: doors and windows tested for sticking or binding, floors checked for slope, and baseboards checked for gaps that suggest the wall has pulled away.
- Foundation perimeter: grading and drainage checked, since where water goes around the house is often as important as what's happening under it.
- Crawl space (if applicable): piers, beams, and moisture conditions inspected directly rather than inferred from symptoms upstairs.
Repair Approaches Used
The right repair depends on what's actually causing the problem. For slab foundations, pressed concrete piers or steel piers are often the most reliable long-term solution. For pier and beam homes, the contractor may work on beam replacement, shimming, and moisture control in the crawl space. Every option is explained in plain language before any work begins, including why a particular pier type or approach was chosen for your specific soil and structure rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
- Pressed concrete piers — a common, cost-effective option for lighter structures and moderate settlement.
- Steel push piers — driven to greater depth for reliable bearing, often used where settlement is more significant or soil conditions are less predictable.
- Helical piers — screwed into the soil rather than driven, useful where vibration needs to be minimized near an existing structure.
- Beam and shim work for pier and beam homes — addressing the crawl space framing directly rather than treating it like a slab problem.