Foundation Repair FAQ
Straight answers to the questions Glen Allen homeowners ask us most. Don't see yours? Call us — we're happy to talk it through.
How much does foundation repair cost in Virginia?
It depends entirely on what's wrong and how much of the home is affected. Sealing one leaking basement crack is a different job from stabilizing a sinking corner with piers, and the price reflects that. We never quote a number before seeing the problem, because a phone estimate is just a guess. Every estimate is free, and we show you exactly what drives the cost — the repair method, how many piers or how much wall is involved, and access — before any work is scheduled. The honest answer is: a small fix is a few hundred to a couple thousand; a serious pier job runs into the thousands; and we tell you which yours is before you owe anything.
How do I know if a foundation crack is serious?
Look at width, direction, and whether it's changing. Hairline cracks under about 1/8 inch that haven't moved are usually just concrete curing and can be watched. What worries us: cracks wider than 1/8 inch, stair-step cracks in block walls, horizontal cracks along a mortar line, cracks that widen over time, and any crack paired with sticking doors, sloping floors or a wall that's no longer plumb. Two or more of these together — or anything that appeared suddenly — is worth a free look. We'll tell you honestly whether to monitor it or repair it now.
Is a basement wall crack the same as a foundation crack?
They overlap but aren't quite the same. A basement wall crack is a crack in a wall you can see from inside the basement, and it's often a water problem first — it lets groundwater seep in. A foundation crack is the broader term for cracks anywhere in the home's foundation: slabs, footings, exterior block or brick walls, and basement walls. So a leaking basement crack is one kind of foundation crack, but not every foundation crack is in a basement wall. We handle both, and each gets the repair that fits — injection to stop water, reinforcement if the wall has lost strength.
What's the difference between settling and sinking?
Settling is gradual, uneven movement over years — one side of the house drops a little faster, so floors slope, doors stick, and drywall cracks slowly. It's common and usually slow. Sinking is active, ongoing downward movement right now — a corner or section that's dropping fast, with widening gaps and new cracks appearing quickly. Sinking is more urgent and tends to worsen, so we move faster to stop it. Both can need piers, but sinking gets priority because the home keeps taking damage the longer it's left.
Push piers vs. helical piers — which does my home need?
Both transfer the home's weight down to stable soil, but they fit different situations. Push piers are driven into the ground using the home's own weight, so they suit heavier structures and firmer soil. Helical piers are screwed in like a giant auger and can be installed in lighter structures and softer soil, and we can verify their holding capacity as we go. The right choice depends on your soil, the weight of the home, and access. We explain which fits yours and why before any work starts — there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
Can I fix a bowing basement wall myself?
Not safely, and we wouldn't recommend trying. A bowing wall is being pushed inward by soil pressure, and the fix has to resist that force long-term — wall anchors, steel braces, or carbon-fiber straps engineered for the load. A DIY patch or sealant won't hold back soil pressure and can mask a problem that's getting worse. A horizontal crack on a block wall is a red flag that the wall is losing the fight. Have it looked at — the earlier we stabilize it, the smaller and less costly the repair tends to be.
How long does foundation repair take?
It ranges widely by the job. Sealing a single basement crack can be done in a few hours. Installing piers under a settling corner is usually a couple of days of work, depending on how many piers and how easy the access is. A larger stabilization job across multiple walls or a full perimeter can take several days to a week. We give you a clear timeline before we start, and we keep disruption to your home and yard as small as we can.
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