What Questions Should I Ask a Foundation Repair Contractor?

Hiring a foundation repair contractor isn’t something you do every day. For most homeowners, it’s not something you ever want to do. If you’re searching for help with a settling home, bowing basement wall, or cracking foundation, you’re likely already dealing with stress, uncertainty, and maybe even a little fear.

At Bramwell-McKay Property Services & Consultants, we’ve spent nearly 40 years walking homeowners through exactly this situation. And we’ve seen the difference it makes when a homeowner knows the right questions to ask. The right conversation can expose red flags, confirm a contractor’s qualifications, and most importantly, give you the confidence that your home is in good hands.

Here’s a guide to the essential questions you should ask any foundation repair contractor—before you sign anything. Want to start the conversation with a team you can trust to deliver honest answers? Give Bramwell-McKay a call today.

1. What Is the Root Cause of My Foundation Problems?

This is one of the most important questions you can ask, and it’s a great way to separate experienced contractors from salespeople. Any foundation repair contractor worth their salt will investigate why the damage is happening, not just point out cracks and offer a generic fix.

You’re looking for someone who can explain what’s causing the issue in clear, understandable terms—whether it’s poor drainage, soil movement, water intrusion, improper construction, or something else entirely. If they can’t explain the source, they probably can’t provide the right solution.

2. What Specific Repair Method Do You Recommend—and Why?

There are different ways to address foundation issues: piering, wall anchors, underpinning, and more. Each comes with different materials, costs, and applications. The right method depends entirely on the condition of your structure and the type of problem you’re facing.

You want a contractor who can walk you through the why behind the what. Generic answers like “This is our standard method” should raise a flag. There is no one-size-fits-all approach in foundation work.

3. Can I See Examples of Similar Work You’ve Done?

Ask to see photos of past jobs, specifically ones similar to yours. A good foundation repair specialist should have a track record of success they’re willing to share. Foundation work is as much about trust as it is about technical ability. Seeing that someone else had the same concern and got it resolved goes a long way toward easing your mind.

4. Do You Offer an Inspection or Free Estimate First?

Any reputable contractor will want to evaluate the issue thoroughly before giving a quote. Be cautious if someone offers a price or a solution over the phone without ever seeing your property and home’s foundation.

At Bramwell-McKay, we believe the inspection is where our job really starts. We assess everything from the visible symptoms to the underlying structure and environmental factors. Only after that do we talk about scope and cost.

5. Are You Licensed, Insured, and Specialized in Foundation Repair?

This one may sound basic, but you’d be surprised how many people skip it. Foundation repair is highly specialized work—far different from general contracting or basic handyman services.

Make sure your contractor holds the necessary local licenses and carries both liability and workers’ comp insurance. You want to know that if something goes wrong on the job site, you’re protected.

And don’t just take their word for it, ask to see documentation.

6. What Kind of Warranty Do You Offer?

Slab foundation repairs should come with a warranty. No ifs, ands, or buts. But not all warranties are created equal.

Ask what exactly the warranty covers, how long it lasts, and whether it’s transferable if you sell your home. A vague answer or one that’s loaded with conditions is a red flag. A strong contractor stands behind their work, especially when the job involves the structural integrity of your home and the safety of your family inside it.

7. What Will the Repair Process Look Like Day-to-Day?

Understanding the timeline, noise level, equipment involved, and whether you’ll need to vacate parts of your home will help set realistic expectations.

Will they dig around your house? Will they need access to your basement? Will heavy machinery be on-site? How will your yard or landscaping be affected? Will they be able to reverse your sagging floors? The more detailed their answer, the more likely they’ve done this before and have a plan to do it right.

8. How Do You Handle Water Issues?

Foundation problems and water problems often go hand-in-hand. If your contractor doesn’t address drainage or waterproofing, you may be stuck treating the symptoms without resolving the cause of the structural damage.

Ask if they evaluate things like grading, gutter systems, or basement moisture as part of their assessment. At Bramwell-McKay, we take a whole-structure approach because we know how often one issue leads to another.

9. Will I Get a Written Proposal and Detailed Scope of Work?

Before you commit to anything, get the full picture in writing. A professional contractor should be willing to put everything in a clear, detailed proposal: scope of work, materials used, timeline, cost, and warranty.

This helps you compare contractors apples-to-apples, avoid unexpected costs later on, and feel confident you’re getting exactly what you need.

10. What Happens If Something Goes Wrong When Addressing Foundation Issues?

Even with the best planning, unexpected challenges can come up. From hitting an old pipe during excavation to uncovering deeper structural issues, you want to know how your contractor communicates when things change.

Ask how they handle unforeseen problems, and what kind of approval process they use before making adjustments. Clear communication here is just as important as the technical work itself.

We Don’t Just Check the Boxes—We Set the Standard

You’ve got a list of questions. Good—you should. Any contractor working on your home’s stability should welcome those questions and be ready with clear, confident answers. At Bramwell-McKay, we don’t dodge the hard stuff. In fact, we encourage it.

Everything we do—from the first inspection to the final walkthrough—is built on education, stewardship, and integrity. Here’s how that plays out on every job:

We Explain the Why, Not Just the What

We don’t throw jargon at you or point at small cracks without context. You’ll get a clear explanation of what’s happening with your structure, why it’s happening, and what needs to be done to fix it for the long term.

We Tailor the Solution to Your Home

Every foundation behaves differently depending on soil, structure, and environment. That’s why we never rely on one-size-fits-all systems. Your repair plan is designed specifically for your home’s unique structural problems.

We Document and Share Everything

From inspection notes to repair plans and cost breakdowns, you’ll receive a detailed, written proposal outlining exactly what we’re doing and why. No vague recommendations. No guesswork. No surprises.

We’re Licensed, Insured, and Highly Specialized

Foundation repair isn’t something you want a general contractor dabbling in. This is our area of expertise—and it has been for nearly 40 years. We carry all necessary licenses and insurance, and we do the kind of work other contractors turn away from.

We Treat Your Home Like It’s Ours

We’re not just contractors. We’re stewards of your home while we’re on-site. That means respecting your space, communicating proactively, minimizing disruption, and taking every precaution to protect your property as if it were our own.

We Back It Up

Our work is built to last, and our warranties reflect that. You’ll get full transparency about what’s covered, how long it’s covered, and how the warranty transfers if you ever sell your home.

Start Asking the Right Questions to Get the Right Solution

Choosing a foundation repair contractor isn’t just about budgeting for costly repairs; it’s about who you trust with the safety, value, and long-term condition of your home. When you know what questions to ask, you’re more likely to find someone who respects your space, explains the process clearly, and solves the right problem the right way.

At Bramwell-McKay Property Services & Consultants, we don’t believe in rushed fixes or guesswork. We educate, we assess, and we deliver solutions that last. If you’ve got questions about your foundation—or just want a second opinion—we’re here to talk.

Schedule a consultation today, and let’s take the uncertainty out of the equation.