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Yes, thicker concrete is less likely to crack. The thicker the concrete is, the less susceptible it is to extreme changes in weather conditions that often cause concrete to crack or chip. If you’re unable to install a thicker concrete driveway for any reason, you can also ask your professional to install more rebar or wire mesh to provide greater strength and better resilience to damage.

Yes, engineers assess soil load-bearing capacity and provide construction guidelines.

Generally, foundation cracks and repair are not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. This type of damage is often considered normal wear and tear or a result of poor maintenance, which is the homeowner's responsibility. For example, damage caused by settling, shifting soil, or drainage issues is typically excluded.

However, there are exceptions. Coverage may apply if the foundation damage is a direct result of a covered peril, such as a house fire, a burst pipe, vandalism, or a vehicle accident. Coverage for natural disasters like earthquakes and floods often requires a separate, specific policy or add-on.

Minor slab leaks normally take around three hours to access and fix, provided the leak is in an accessible location. However, a more extensive leak or a leak in a hard-to-reach location can take several days to fix, depending on the resulting damage. You might also want to consider the timeline for the build-back if the leak damages building materials like flooring or cabinets, which can take several weeks, including delivery of the materials.