FAQ
Foundation repair questions and answers
Short answers, each pointing to a page with more. If your question is about a particular house, an inspection will answer it better than any website.
About the ground
Why does Austin have so many foundation problems?
Much of the city east of the Balcones Escarpment stands on prairie clay that swells when wet and shrinks when dry. Slabs and piers resting on it move as it does. The Austin soil guide has the detail.
Are summer and winter different for a foundation here?
Yes. Late summer is when clay is driest and slab edges sit low. Signs often ease after autumn and spring rain, then return.
How do I find out what soil my house is on?
Type the address into the NRCS Web Soil Survey, or ask the inspector what they found.
About signs and repairs
Is every crack a foundation problem?
No. Thin, even cracks are common in sound houses. Pattern, taper and change over time are what count. See the signs pages.
What are piers?
Columns of steel or concrete placed under a foundation to carry it on firmer ground. The methods guide compares the types.
Why is there no price on this site?
Because price depends on how many piers a house needs and how deep they go, which nobody knows before measuring. The cost guide lists what drives it.
How long does a repair take?
It depends on the number of piers and on access. The company gives a schedule with its proposal. This site cannot promise one.
About rules and paperwork
Do I need a permit in Austin?
Repairs up to 128 square feet are exempt. Larger ones use a Residential Express permit. The permit guide explains both.
Are foundation repair companies licensed in Texas?
There is no state licence for the trade. The guide to choosing a company lists what you can check instead.
I am selling. Do I have to mention an old repair?
The Texas Seller's Disclosure Notice asks about previous structural repair that you know of. The buying and selling guide goes through it.
About this service
Who answers when I call?
An independent local foundation repair company, or a call centre acting for one. Austin Foundation Repair Help itself repairs nothing. How it works sets out the steps.
Which towns can call?
Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Buda, Manor and Hutto. The service area page has the list.
Can I email a question instead?
You can write to the address on the contact page about the site itself. Questions about a house need a phone call, because the reply comes from a repair company.
Want it looked at?
Phone, say where the house is and what has changed, and you will be speaking with an independent local foundation repair company. It can book a visit to measure the floors and tell you what it finds.
Calls may be recorded. Austin Foundation Repair Help refers callers and repairs nothing itself, as the referral disclosure sets out. Call details are handled under the privacy policy.