FCS Foundation Repair FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
With over 25 years of experience serving homeowners and businesses across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, the FCS team has heard just about every foundation question there is. Below you will find answers to the most common questions we receive about foundation repair, concrete services, and drainage correction in the DFW area.
Signs Your Foundation May Need Repair
Look for diagonal or stair-step cracks in brick or drywall, doors and windows that no longer close properly, visible gaps between walls and ceilings, uneven or sloping floors, and chimneys that appear to be leaning. If you notice one or more of these signs, it is a good idea to schedule a professional inspection as soon as possible.
Hairline cracks from normal settling are common and usually not a concern. However, cracks wider than a quarter inch, cracks that run diagonally, or cracks that continue to grow over time can indicate an underlying foundation issue. If you see new cracks appearing or existing ones spreading, contact us for a free evaluation.
The DFW metroplex sits on highly expansive clay soil that swells significantly when it absorbs moisture and shrinks during dry spells. This constant cycle of expansion and contraction puts tremendous stress on foundations. Combined with the extreme Texas heat and unpredictable rainfall patterns, these soil conditions make the DFW area one of the most foundation-repair-intensive regions in the country.
Our Repair Process
We use a range of proven systems including steel push piers, concrete pressed piers, bell bottom drill piers, and our hybrid piling system. The method we recommend depends on your specific soil conditions, the type and severity of the foundation movement, and the structural requirements of your property.
The average job takes 2-3 days from start to finish. Larger or more complex projects may require additional time, but we provide a clear timeline during our initial evaluation so you know exactly what to expect.
Yes, in most cases you can stay in your home throughout the entire repair process. Our crews work primarily from the exterior of the property, and the work typically does not disrupt your daily routine. We take care to minimize noise and keep the work area clean and safe.
The major risks associated with foundation repair are plumbing leaks, additional cracking of floors and walls, misaligned doors, and roof damage. No, we do not cover these damages. However, our experienced crews take every precaution to minimize these risks during the repair process.
Costs, Insurance, and Financing
Every foundation is different, and costs depend on the severity of the issue, the size of the structure, and the repair method required. Minor crack sealing may cost under a thousand dollars, while more involved projects involving multiple piers can range from several thousand to well over ten thousand. We provide detailed, transparent estimates during our free inspection so there are never any surprises. Learn more on our foundation repair cost page.
Typically, regular home insurance does not cover foundation repair. A homeowner can purchase a separate foundation repair insurance from their provider, but even that insurance only covers it if it is related and caused by a plumbing leak, flood damage or earthquake, or other natural disasters.
Yes, we offer free estimates. Most estimates are scheduled to be performed within 48 hours of booking the appointment, we always return the calls and emails same day within an hour max, and we typically send the quotes the same day of the inspection. Schedule your free evaluation here.
Prevention and Maintenance
Maintaining consistent moisture levels around your foundation is one of the most effective preventive measures. Use soaker hoses during extended dry periods, ensure your gutters and downspouts direct water away from the foundation, correct any grading issues that allow water to pool near your home, and address plumbing leaks promptly. Proper drainage is key to long-term foundation health.
When water collects near your foundation, it saturates the soil and causes it to expand. When conditions dry out, the soil contracts and pulls away from the foundation. This repeated cycle creates movement that leads to settling, cracking, and structural damage over time. Installing proper drainage correction systems can eliminate this cycle and protect your investment.
We always recommend the homeowner to wait at least 8-12 weeks, depending on how much repair work was done on the foundation. This allows the structure to fully settle into its corrected position before making cosmetic repairs to walls, floors, or finishes.
Buying and Selling a Home
Absolutely. In fact, a professionally repaired foundation with a transferable lifetime warranty can actually be a selling point. Buyers gain confidence knowing the issue has been identified, professionally addressed, and backed by a warranty that transfers to them. We provide all documentation needed for the sale process.
Yes. An unresolved foundation problem can significantly reduce your property value and scare away potential buyers. A completed repair with proper documentation and a transferable warranty restores buyer confidence and protects the overall value of your home. Many homeowners find that the repair pays for itself when it comes time to sell.
About FCS Foundation Repair
All of our pier systems come with a lifetime transferable warranty, and we also offer a separate warranty for other services such as pier and beam reshimming, which is a 1-year transferable warranty, pier and beam wood repairs is a 2-year transferable warranty, concrete work is a 1-year non-transferable warranty, drainage work is a 1-year non-transferable warranty.
Yes, we are insured and registered with all of the major cities across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Ask how long they have been in business, whether they carry full insurance and workers compensation, what repair methods they specialize in, whether they offer a written warranty and if it is transferable, and if they provide a free inspection with a detailed written estimate. A reputable company will be happy to answer all of these openly. At FCS, we welcome every question. Reach out to our team.
Permit requirements vary by city and by the scope of the project. Many municipalities in the DFW area require permits for structural foundation work. FCS handles all necessary permitting as part of our process so you do not have to worry about navigating city requirements on your own.
Yes, we offer a referral fee for any scheduled jobs. Visit our referral program page for details.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is ready to help. Schedule a free foundation inspection and get expert answers specific to your home and property.

