Most Foundation Repairs are Unnecessary and Can Cause More Harm Than Good.

Gain the Upper Hand with Foundation Inspections from Imperial Pro 

Unfortunately, most established homes in the Houston area have some degree of cosmetic damage caused by foundation movement. Home inspectors can often become desensitized to this damage and consider it “normal” without having any understanding of what it means, what caused it, or what it’ll cost to repair. This damage is then neglected overtime, compounding the problem, and homeowners are eventually blindsided by the expensive foundation repair estimates. Even worse, some repairs may not be necessary or repairs could’ve been prevented with the appropriate foundation maintenance plan. Because the foundation repair industry dominates marketing and controls the messaging around slab foundations, foundation inspections must also be viewed through the lens of these companies, but without the predatory sales practice. Imperial Pro leverages extensive knowledge of foundation repair and performance to provide one of the most comprehensive foundation inspections in the home inspection industry. Imperial Pro is here to help bridge the gap between home inspectors and foundation repair contractors to help protect the public from substantial financial loss caused by our region's unique foundation issues. 

Understanding Sales Motivations and Protecting Your Investment

Foundation repair costs vary as companies offer differing repair plans and materials such as pressed piles and poured piers. Some propose less extensive, cheaper options, while others suggest more extensive repairs. Regardless of the method, it’s most crucial to understand the motivation behind the recommendations are generally profit-driven. Foundation repair companies employ unlicensed commission-only salesmen, most of whom will suggest repairs regardless of whether they are genuinely needed. This practice leads to unnecessary expenses for homeowners, driven by the incentive to sell expensive repair rather than actually doing what is right for the home.

What Homeowners Need to Know

Foundation repair warranties are less about protection and more about closing sales. It's crucial to understand that these warranties only cover  the initial repairs, not the subsequent issues that likely arise due to the expansive nature of local soils. Often, what starts as partial underpinning may require more extensive work later, making "lifetime" warranties misleading. Most are simply service agreements masquerading as guarantees, offering little real value since the original work seldom fails—instead, it frequently necessitates additional repairs. Warranties would be more valuable if our homes sat on stable rock, rather our expansive clay soils. 

Fort Bend County homeowners can save over an estimated average of $12,750 in foundation repairs by calling Imperial Pro.

True Foundation Repair is Soil Repair

We acknowledge that there are scenarios where foundation repair may become a necessary step, particularly when soils have been neglected for an extended period and damage has reached a severe extent. In such cases, especially when a home is no longer functional, sellable,  safe or habitable, traditional foundation repair might be the only option. We can even refer you to foundation repair companies that we've worked with and trust, if needed. However, we advocate for a comprehensive approach that also addresses soil health, as neglecting soil can lead to more significant issues even after repairs. The only true long-term repair involves fixing the soil that supports the foundation.​

A Buyer’s Guide to Buying A Home with Foundation Repairs

When considering the purchase of a home with previous foundation repairs, it’s crucial to take several proactive steps because these homes have the potential for more problems. First, obtain all available warranty information related to past foundation repairs. Be cautious if multiple repair companies were involved, as this could indicate unresolved issues. Verify whether root barriers were installed; their absence will mean a high likelihood of future foundation problems such as costly interior settlement. Request that the company responsible for the most extensive repairs conduct a warranty inspection, even if no current issues are visible. After closing, quickly transfer the warranty into your name, noting that a fee applies and failure to meet the deadline can void the warranty. Foundation repair does not add value to a property; Practice due diligence by hiring an experienced home or foundation inspector to provide a more comprehensive inspection.

Prioritizing Soil Health and Stability Before Major Repairs

Just as you should never rush into heart surgery for high blood pressure without first altering your diet, traditional foundation repair should never be your initial response. In most cases, it's best to consider less invasive, affordable solutions before undertaking major foundation repairs. Installing root barriers, implementing foundation watering systems, correcting drainage and plumbing leaks, and adding gutters can address the root causes of foundation issues. Rushing into foundation repair may be unnecessary, costly, and could even exacerbate the damage. Traditional foundation repair should only be considered after addressing soil moisture and allowing time for stabilization.

Every home with oak trees, whether old or new and regardless of existing foundation repairs, should immediately install root barriers to protect their homes from foundation damage.

Embrace the Truth of Your Foundation's Soil Mechanics for Long-Term Stability

Enough Foundation Repair; Protect Your Home with Imperial Pro's Legacy Services.

Experience peace of mind and exceptional value with our unbiased foundation inspections. It begins with a thorough, unbiased foundation inspection – no sales pitch, just insights into your foundation's health and the science behind any issues. As a courtesy, we offer free foundation inspections to most homes in Fort Bend County, TX  to help protect homeowners from costly, unwarranted  foundation repairs.