Foundation repair didn’t work, should I pay them more?

Added December 8, 2006

Q. About 10 years ago, I had a foundation repair job done on my home. Recently, the piers had to be “re-adjusted” because they were not working properly and the house was still settling. Since then, the house has started to crack in more places than before!

The company told me that to correct the foundation problem, I need to spend another $4-8000 for more piers. Should I spend the money with a company that didn’t fix it right the first time? Should I look for another company?

A: What a terrible dilemma to be in. And the answer truly is not that simple.

First problem I see is the company coming out to readjust the piers. Once a pier is installed, there really isn’t adjusting to it, if its done properly. Perhaps you are talking about interior beam piers? There is a method that involves a jacking system that usually goes under a crawlspace and supports sagging/failing load-bearing beams. Due to changes in the soil and movement, these piers can be moved up/down to compensate for movement and secure the stability of the beams.

If foundation support piers were installed, it sounds to me as if they did not install them properly, and came back out on a “service call”. The biggest problem you currently have is proving the additional cracking is due to the adjustments they did. If the cracks occur in areas they did adjustments, it’s pretty simple. If not, you may have problems. A foundation repair company will typically guarantee against settlement issues in the areas they perform service, but obviously not in areas that we’re not treated.

IN your case, I would recommend talking to a higher-up in the company – preferably the owner. Explain your situation – the work performed did not work, the service the provided to the work has caused additional damage to your home, and try to find a “happy medium” that solves the foundation issues you have.

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