Foundation Repair FAQ

Trusted handyman services

Answers from Trusted Foundation Repair Specialists

We’ll take the frown out of your foundation

Learn from Continental Foundation Restoration

When it comes to your home’s stability, there’s no room for guesswork. At Continental Foundation Restoration, we understand that foundation problems can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled this foundation repair FAQ: to give homeowners in Houston, Dickinson, and across the Gulf Coast clear answers from experienced professionals.

With more than five decades of hands-on experience in Texas soil and weather conditions, our team is here to help you protect your home from cracks, settling, and water damage. Whether you’re facing a sinking slab, a slab leak, or uneven flooring, you can trust Continental to deliver reliable solutions backed by craftsmanship, honesty, and long-term value.

Repairing Foundation | Continental Foundation Restoration

Continental Foundation Restoration FAQ

General Business Information FAQ

A: Our office is located in Dickinson, TX, and we proudly serve homeowners throughout Houston, Galveston County, and surrounding Gulf Coast communities.

A: Yes. We are fully insured, and while Texas doesn’t require specific foundation repair licensing, we follow all industry standards and safety regulations.

A: Continental Foundation Restoration was founded in 1995, but our experience goes back to 1968. Founder James Ogden has more than 50 years of foundation expertise.

A: Yes, we provide free inspections and estimates to help homeowners catch foundation issues early.

A: Yes, we serve both residential and commercial clients across the Gulf Coast.

A: We offer lifetime and limited lifetime warranties, depending on the repair scope, backed by quality workmanship and materials.

Foundation Repair FAQ

A: Some of the most common warning signs include doors or windows that stick or are hard to open, cracks in your sheetrock, and visible cracks in your brick exterior. These issues often indicate movement or settling in your foundation and should be inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

A: Yes. When a foundation settles or shifts, it can break under-slab waste lines, leading to leaks, moisture buildup, or even sewer backups beneath your home.

A: We repair all foundation types, including concrete slabs, pier and beam structures, block and pad foundations, and homes built on stilts.

A: The timeline depends on the scope of work. Most foundation repair projects take anywhere from one day to about a week on average.

A: Generally, no. Most insurance companies do not cover foundation repair. However, some policies may provide limited coverage if the damage is caused by waste line leaks under the foundation.

A: Depending on the damage, repairs can include re-leveling the structure, replacing wood beams, floor joists, or blocks, and in some cases, raising the house to restore stability.

A: Yes. If any piers or beams are damaged or deteriorated, we replace them to ensure the foundation remains safe and structurally sound.

A: No. We offer both locking (interlocking) and non-locking (presser) piling systems, allowing us to select the most appropriate option based on your soil conditions and structural needs. Locking pilings are considered an upgrade and are typically slightly more expensive than non-locking systems, but both methods are effective foundation repair solutions when properly installed.

Pre-Buy Foundation Inspections FAQ

A: A pre-buy foundation inspection involves evaluating settlement, leveling concerns, and overall structural soundness to help buyers better understand the condition of the home. These inspections are often requested by buyers, sometimes through their real estate agent. Because the purchase is not yet finalized, pre-buy inspections typically carry a $200 fee. If the buyer moves forward and becomes the homeowner, that fee is refundable. Free foundation inspections remain available for current homeowners through Continental Foundation Restoration.

A: Yes, we provide clear, professional reports for buyers, sellers, and real estate agents, if needed.

House Leveling FAQ

A: House leveling corrects uneven settling caused by shifting Texas clay soils. It’s necessary when floors slope or doors and windows misalign, as well as if brick and sheetrock are cracking.

A: We install piers beneath the foundation and precisely lift the structure back into place.

A: No, we do not pave or level sidewalks. Our work focuses exclusively on home foundations.

A: Yes. Proper leveling stabilizes your foundation and helps prevent further settling.

Under Slab Leak Repair FAQ

A: Many homes have waste and sewer lines beneath the slab. When they leak or break, we tunnel under the foundation to repair or reroute the damaged lines.

A: Common signs include sewer backups, damp flooring, or foundation settlement.

A: In some cases, yes. Plumbing work typically follows foundation stabilization for the best results, especially when an under-slab waste line leak is present. However, we are not licensed plumbers.

A: Ignoring a leak can lead to soil erosion, severe settling, and long-term structural instability.

Foundation Restoration | Continental Foundation Restoration
What Foundation Cracks Look Like

Recognizing Foundation Cracks

Foundation cracks can appear in walls, floors, or ceilings and may signal structural issues.

  • Vertical or diagonal cracks near windows, doors, or corners
  • Horizontal cracks in foundation walls
  • Cracks in concrete floors or garage slabs
  • Separation between walls, ceilings, or trim
  • Stair-step cracks in brick or masonry
  • Expansion joint separation

Even small cracks can indicate settling or soil movement and should be checked by a professional.

What Isn’t a Foundation Crack (Cosmetic Damage)

Cosmetic cracks are superficial and generally harmless.

  • Fine hairline cracks in drywall or plaster
  • Shrinkage cracks in concrete
  • Minor surface cracks in brick or mortar

When unsure, it’s best to have a foundation specialist inspect your home to confirm whether repairs are needed.

Cracked Foundation | Continental Restoration Restoration

Schedule Your Free Inspection

Contact Us Today

Experience, Integrity, and Lasting Protection

Secure Your Home with Trusted Foundation Experts

With over 50 years of experience in Texas foundation systems, Continental Foundation Restoration combines skilled craftsmanship with modern engineering. Our interlocking and presser piling systems provide lasting stability and protection against shifting soils. Every project comes with clear communication, lifetime-backed warranties, and a commitment to getting the job done right the first time.

A solid foundation is essential for your home’s safety, value, and longevity. Don’t wait if you notice cracks, uneven floors, or signs of moisture; early repairs save time, money, and stress.