Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Foundation Repair
Are home inspections and estimates free?
Yes, our inspections are absolutely free of charge and there is no obligation. We want you to be fully informed about your home foundation and concrete slab repair solution
Will you give the homeowner a written estimate?
Yes, the homeowner will receive a written estimate plus a detailed floor plan illustrating the location of the proposed home foundation work and bell bottom piers.
How long has Dawson Foundation Repair been in business?
Dawson Foundation Repair, Inc. has been in business for 23 years and has repaired over 10,000 concrete slab and home foundations in east Texas areas.
How long does the initial inspection last?
Our professional inspector will spend approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours inspecting your home foundation and visiting with the homeowner.
Do I need to be present for the inspection?
Yes, the inspector will need access to the interior of your home to inspect for signs of foundation and concrete slab problems and to take elevation readings.
How do you determine what needs to be done?
Depending on the complexity of the home foundation problem, our professional inspector will inspect your home's exterior and interior and take elevation readings of the interior. After the inspection, he will match the structural indications with the elevation readings to create a complete picture of what stresses are being exerted upon your home. Finally, a detailed floor plan and repair proposal is designed and the inspector will explain all aspects of your home foundation situation.
What type of repair system do you use?
We use the bell bottom pier method, which is also called the bell bottom / mudpump method.
Why do you use the bell bottom pier method?
Because the bell bottom pier method is superior -- it is the best method to provide your home foundation and concrete slab with long term stability.
Why does your bell bottom pier method of repair take longer?
The reason our method of repair takes longer is because the concrete that is poured to form the bell bottom piers needs time to cure and harden before supporting any weight. After the concrete has cured or dried it is incredibly strong and ready to support the weight of your home.
Is mud pumping necessary?
Yes. The purpose of pumping mud (actually a slurry including concrete) under your home's concrete slab is to fill any voids that have formed over time or during the repair process. This step is very important because your home's concrete slab is not designed to bridge voids.
Are the estimators engineers?
Our professional estimators are not engineers, but they are highly experienced home foundation repair experts. They use sophisticated equipment, experience and judgment to evaluate your home and its concrete slab.
What are your business hours?
We have standard business hours of 8:00 - 5:00 (Monday - Friday).
Do you use sub-contractors?
Not for foundation repair work. Although we may need to bring in licensed plumbers to address specific plumbing problems, every worker involved in your foundation repair solution is a direct employee of Dawson Foundation Repair, Inc. We prefer to supervise all workers because we feel we can maintain higher levels of quality and professionalism.
Do the supervisors speak English?
Absolutely. All of our supervisors are bi-lingual.
Do you clean the property after the job is completed?
Definitely. All dirt that is excavated from your property is placed on your driveway and hauled away that day or the next day and your driveway is thoroughly cleaned.
What about my plants?
Should it be necessary to move your plants, we will do our very best to save them. Usually we will relocate them to another part of the yard designated by the homeowner. Once the foundation work is completed we will place the plant back in its original position.
Do you have insurance?
Yes, and we are happy to provide you with certificates of insurance upon request.
Do you offer a guarantee?
We offer a Lifetime Service Agreement to every homeowner. We are proud of our hard-earned reputation. Please read some of the testimonial letters from our satisfied clients. Please contact the Better Business Bureau and ask about our company. Compare our superior, proven long term bell bottom pier method to those of our competitors.
Do you have arbitration clauses in your agreements?
We do not use mandatory arbitration clauses in our agreements. We feel that mandatory arbitration is unfair because it strongly favors the repair contractor. In addition, the homeowner is usually required to pay half of the costs associated with arbitration.