Will your foundation be able to support a second story?

• <div><p>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.</p><p>“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.”</p></div>

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Q: What happens if a house doesn't have a good foundation?

• <div><p>Always <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/who-do-i-hire-foundation-repair.htm">hire a foundation repair contractor</a> the moment you suspect your house doesn't have a good foundation. The longer you wait to address foundation issues, the more likely they can lead to bowing floors, cracks in walls and ceilings, sticking doors and windows, chimney and roof problems, and more. Foundation problems can also let moisture into your home, leading to water damage, mold, and mildew problems.</p></div>

Q: Can a house collapse from a sinking foundation?

• <div><p>Although it is possible for a house to collapse from a sinking foundation, it will likely take many years, and signs of major issues will be apparent for a while. Homes on hillsides or in areas that experience frequent washouts are at a higher risk of collapse. Still, barring a natural disaster or extreme circumstances, houses are unlikely to fully collapse from foundation damage.</p></div>

Q: How serious is foundation settling?

• <div><p>Foundation settling is normal and expected if just a small amount of settlement occurs within a year or so after construction. This usually results in hairline cracks in the foundation, which aren&rsquo;t typically a problem. If settlement occurs years after construction, unevenly under your home, or results in signs of structural damage, then it could be very serious. Foundation stabilization and drainage system installation to fix unnatural settlement can cost tens of thousands of dollars and compromise the structural integrity of your entire home.</p></div>

Q: How do you tell the difference between settling and foundation problems?

• <div><p>Most of the time, normal foundation settling will present as thin cracks in the foundation and minor creaks in the floorboards. In contrast, you can identify foundation issues by wide or uneven foundation cracks, horizontal or step-shaped gaps on the foundation wall, or cracks that go around corners of your foundation. Foundation problems can also cause changes in your living area, like increased humidity, uneven or sloping floors, nail pops in drywall, countertops pulling away from the wall, and windows and doors getting stuck. When in doubt, call in a professional to identify the underlying cause.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Foundation Repair pros in Start, LA

*The Angi rating for Foundation Repair companies in Start, LA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Foundation Repair needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Foundation Repair companies in Start, LA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Foundation Repair needs.

Last update on January 16, 2026

Reviewed in July 2025
Pierce was provided quality service to my 10 rental properties in Monroe, La. He’s reliable and punctual when it comes to taken care of my repairs. His prices are reasonable as well. I’ll always and forever use his services.
Prolific Construction and Home Improvement LLC
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Reviewed in March 2024
Our repairs were completed without delay with professional assistance from Peak Roofing. Our repairs were to roof replacement,siding replacement,window replacement,several hundred feet of gutters and chimney cap and diffuser. Peak owner helped us with the insurance claim after completion of...
Peak Roofing & Exteriors
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Reviewed in November 2023
I paid $13,000 for foundation repairs that did not ever address the 3" of sinking floors to the middle of my floors, after getting 2 separate opinions/quotes from Groundworks and Peak Structural, Inc., owned by the same company.
Groundworks
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Reviewed in May 2018
"I highly recommend this company to anyone who needs roof repair. They informed me before making any decisions"
Roofing Solutions
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Reviewed in July 2017
Project : Raise a Concrete Foundation An exceptional company! The owner came a day early to give me an estimate. They started when they said they would and in some serious heat! Made sure the inside of the house was leveling while jacking up the house. Did twice the work for half the price...
Level Home Foundation Repair, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2017
Punctuat, knowledgeable & repair was completed in a timely manner. Very friendly & pleasurable to deal with. Very reasonable rates. A true professional. Accepted credit/debit cards and I received my receipt via email within an hour. I would highly recommend Mr. Jones without any reservations.
Raleigh Jones Repair Service
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Reviewed in October 2016
For the appliances, Bennett was pretty good once they finally showed up. They would schedule a visit, call on the day of the visit and say they needed to reschedule for another day. This happened multiple times for the appliance repair visit. For the A/C work, Bennett came out and began work wit...
Bennett Heat Air & Electric
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Reviewed in June 2014
He was good. He was no. 1 in our area. He was thorough and he came back to check or make sure that everything was done. He also went up to the attic, we have not put a light up there in case we need something to be repaired. He checked to make sure that they repaired it. He is working with...
Home Sweet Home Inspection Service
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Reviewed in April 2014
He did everything he said he was going to do. Performed the work when he said he would and called when the repairs when completed. Everything went as planned.
JAPANESE AUTOMOTIVE
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Reviewed in May 2012
I had a virus and a blue screen. I shut the computer and he was able to repair it for me. He did it quickly and for a reasonable price.
MICHAEL HOLLAND COMPUTER SVC
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