Foundation Repair FAQ

Honest answers to common questions. If yours isn't here, get in touch — we'd rather answer your question than have you wonder.

What's the first step?

Call or email with a description of what you're seeing — cracks, settling, water intrusion, sticking doors, whatever it is. From there we figure out together whether a quick conversation is enough or whether an in-person look is the right next step.

How urgent is a crack in my foundation?

It depends. Vertical and diagonal hairline cracks are usually non-structural and can wait — they just need to be sealed to prevent water intrusion. Horizontal cracks, stair-step cracks in brick, and any crack wider than a quarter inch are more urgent and worth inspecting quickly. When in doubt: call.

Does homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?

Usually no. Standard homeowners policies exclude gradual settlement and soil-related foundation movement. Insurance MAY cover sudden events (a burst pipe causing damage, vehicle impact, etc.). It's worth understanding what's covered and what isn't before deciding on next steps.

What does foundation repair typically cost?

Industry norms in the Boston / South Shore region: crack repair tends to run $400-$1,500 per crack. Settlement underpinning runs $2,500-$15,000+ depending on the number of piers required. Basement waterproofing runs $1,500-$10,000 depending on the system. Specific numbers always depend on the situation.

How long does foundation repair take?

Most crack repairs: same day. Waterproofing systems: 1-3 days. Settlement underpinning: 3-7 days depending on scope. Emergency stabilization (e.g., for active water intrusion) can usually be started same-day.

What about warranties?

Reputable foundation repair work typically comes with warranties: crack repair (often 10 years), underpinning (often 25 years or more, transferable to subsequent homeowners), and waterproofing systems (often lifetime, transferable). Specific terms depend on the contractor and the method.

What South Shore towns do you cover?

We cover South Shore of Massachusetts (Plymouth & Norfolk Counties) — Hingham, Cohasset, Duxbury, Norwell, Scituate, Hanover, Marshfield, Pembroke, Weymouth, Braintree, Rockland, and Whitman. South Shore-focused, so we know the local soil conditions, the older housing stock, and the coastal challenges.

What counts as a foundation emergency?

Active water intrusion, sudden visible movement of foundation walls, new horizontal cracks appearing quickly, or doors and windows that suddenly stop closing properly. If you're seeing one of those, get in touch right away — emergency stabilization can usually start same-day.