Get matched with top concrete repair specialists in Clarksburg, CA

Most building departments will require that a certified and licensed foundation repair professional or a structural engineer pull permits for foundation repair, so homeowners usually cannot pull them themselves. This helps ensure that an experienced professional completes all structural work on your home. Minor repairs that are technically DIYable often won’t require permits, but it’s still a good idea to hire a professional to carry out foundation repairs.

It’s usually not a big deal if your foundation sinks between 2 and 3 inches into the ground after construction, provided the settlement occurs evenly. This is usually indicative of normal settlement that occurs as the soil under your home adapts to the weight of the structure. If the home sinks more into the ground or the settlement occurs unevenly, leaving portions of your home to sink further down than others, then call a foundation repair specialist to address the issue and avoid additional damage.

If your foundation isn’t properly square, there’s a chance that anything you built before detecting the issue may need to be torn down. A major miscalculation could leave some walls of your home unsupported. 

Most single-story homes don't have foundations strong enough to support a second story, but they can be reinforced for an addition. A structural engineer can assess your foundation and what needs to be done to get it ready. They'll look at any cracks or unevenness in your current foundation and consider any special framing or beams your home needs, especially if it’s in a high-wind or hurricane area.

“To support a second story, many structural engineers will require that you install additional concrete piers in the crawlspace,” says Tschudi. “This involves hand excavating, pouring a large concrete footing—usually with specially coated rebar—and then building concrete piers right up to the girders.”