How do I know if my foundation problem is serious?
Some cracks are cosmetic and some are not. Horizontal cracks, stair-step cracks in block, cracks that widen over time, sticking doors and sloping floors are the signs worth an inspection. We will look at it and tell you honestly which you have.
Are you licensed and insured, and do you take jobs of any size?
Yes. We are licensed and insured, and we take on work of any type and size, from a single failing pier to a full foundation replacement. We provide free, no-obligation inspections and quotes so you know what you are dealing with before you commit.
What causes a house to settle in the Bay Area?
Expansive clay soils that swell and shrink with our wet winters and dry summers, poor drainage against the foundation, undersized original footings, and seismic movement. Diagnosing which one is at work is the whole job.
Do you do seismic retrofitting?
Yes. Foundation bolting and cripple wall bracing are part of our foundation work, and in earthquake country they are some of the highest-value work you can do on an older Bay Area home.
Will drainage work actually prevent foundation damage?
Often, yes. Water pooling against a foundation is behind most of the cracking, settling and crawl-space moisture we see, so a french drain is frequently the cheapest structural repair available.
Do you work for homeowners or commercial clients?
Both. We work directly with homeowners, and we are regularly brought in by property managers and general contractors who need the structural side of a project handled properly. We serve Alameda, Santa Clara and San Francisco counties, including Pleasanton, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Fremont and Hayward.
