How to Fix a Sinking Foundation

Make an appointment with a structural engineer. He can evaluate your foundation to see how much damage there is to the structure of your home. He also will determine what needs to be fixed and whether it will be a large or impossible project. Because structural engineers usually don't do the repairs, you can trust his opinion on what needs to be fixed over a repair company that has a stake in the results.

Look for several builders in your area that specialize in fixing foundations. Make a list of the top companies, giving yourself three to five repair companies from which to choose. Do research on each company to make sure it has all of its credentials along with references. Eliminate any repair companies that do not have a good reputation or much experience in fixing a sinking foundation. If you know someone who had a similar repair job done previously, ask them for a recommendation.

Get an estimate from the top three repair companies. Most companies will want to come out and evaluate your foundation before giving you an estimate. Let them know what the structural engineer found so they know exactly what needs to be fixed. Have them outline everything they would need to do to fix the problem as well as how long they think it will take and how much they estimate it will cost.

Hire the repair company that has the best estimate. Choose the company that has the shortest estimated project length and the least disruptive repair plan. The cost should be low enough for you to be comfortable with the purchase. There are various ways to fix a foundation. High-pressure grouting will have the least disruption to the soil around your home, while helical piers will require digging and extra time before completion.