Foundation repair warranties: what to look for

Questions to ask about any warranty

• Lifetime of what? The life of the structure, your ownership, or a set number of years?
• What exactly is covered? Usually it's the piers the company installed, not the whole foundation.
• Are adjustments free? If the area they repaired settles again, will they re-level it at no charge, and how many times?
• Is it transferable? Can a buyer take it over if you sell, and is there a transfer fee or deadline?
• What voids it? Common conditions include keeping up drainage, fixing plumbing leaks, and not changing the grading around the house.
• What's excluded? Heave (soil pushing up), new settlement in areas that weren't repaired, plumbing damage and cosmetic cracks are often excluded.

Get it in writing

A verbal “we stand behind our work” isn't a warranty. Ask for the written warranty with your estimate, so you can compare companies before choosing.

The company matters as much as the paper

A lifetime warranty is only as good as the company behind it. Look at how long they've been in business locally, check reviews and references, and ask whether a licensed engineer is involved in the repair plan.