What it is, how it works, and the questions to ask before you hire.
Last updated: October 2026
Everything in foundation repair starts with the inspection — and the quality of the inspection decides the quality of everything after it. A real foundation inspection is measurement: elevation readings, crack mapping, drainage assessment. A sales visit is a clipboard and a price. This guide covers what a thorough inspection includes, what the report should tell you, how to prepare, and the questions that separate professionals from salespeople.
At minimum: a full interior and exterior visual survey with every crack documented, floor elevation measurements (laser level or equivalent) to quantify differential settlement, and a drainage/grading assessment — because water is behind most movement. For pier-and-beam homes, the crawl space gets inspected too. You should receive the findings in writing, with measurements.
They answer different questions. A contractor's inspection leads to a repair plan and is the normal starting point. An independent structural engineer's stamped report is worth it when the movement is extensive, when you're buying or selling the home, or when a permit, insurance claim, or dispute needs an impartial opinion. Many homeowners do the contractor inspection first and bring in an engineer if the situation is complex.
Three that matter most: (1) Are you taking elevation measurements, and can I see the readings? (2) What do you believe is causing the movement — soil, drainage, plumbing, or age? (3) What happens if we do nothing for a year? The answers tell you whether you're getting a diagnosis or a sales pitch. Be wary of anyone who proposes a full piering plan without measurements.