Repair My Foundation-A homeowner’s look at the options

If you think your concrete slab foundation might need some work but want an unbiased opinion you should contact an independent registered professional engineer. Their specialty should be in civil or structural engineering. (Your average electrical or aeronautics engineer probably didn’t take many classes in soil mechanics or the load bearing capacity of X type of concrete. But I’m just guessing here.) Your engineer should also have plenty of experience in residential or light commercial slab on grade foundations. They should not have any financial ties to foundation repair contractors, builders or insurers. If they recommend certain contractors it should be based on professional opinion and not commission money.

You’ll find engineers listed in your yellow pages. Look for them on trade association websites. I have a couple links to help you get started here: and also on the links page. Fees vary depending on where you live but expect to pay several hundred dollars.
I had my foundation inspected last month. I’m posting a copy of the report so that you can get an idea of the type of information you should receive from an engineer with the qualifications mentioned above. You’ll need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Keep in mind that this inspection is for a specific house in North Central Texas but the same types of problems plague most slab on grade foundations built on expansive shrink-swell clay soils. Here is the report, warts and all. Boy, there are plenty of warts. Engineer’s Concrete Slab Foundation Inspection Report

If you know anyone who is thinking about a foundation inspection or repair, go ahead and send them a link to this page. Thanks.