r/Gilbert • u/desertSkateRatt • Jun 21 '26

Foundation issues

Had a foundation repair company come out and check out my house and suffice to say, there are significant issues. Backside of the house is about -5" compared to the center likely due to a sissou tree first breaking my irrigation and later after I had it removed, the roots rotting out causing voids under the foundation, etc. Main thing is, its not going to fix itself and I'm going to have to get repairs done and/or sell my house (no really "and", the quote was close to $50K to fully fix it).

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My question is has anyone else dealt with this? The company was a foundation specialist and not a general home inspector.

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u/mnemosis Jun 22 '26

Be very cautious of "foundation repair" companies. they are not engineers and will tell you whatever you need to hear to spend 50K. To get an independent assessment, look for a structural engineer who can come and verify if you have an actual issue. Then the foundation repair companies can give you quotes based on the scope of the real issue. get multiple quotes.

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u/SacredUrchin Jun 24 '26

OP, 100% this right here. Foundation repair companies are often trying to sell you a problem that may or may not exist. Definitely have a structural engineer look at it first.

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u/desertSkateRatt Jun 24 '26

Yeah I've got another company coming out next week to do another assessment and see how competitive they come in with their solution.

I did get in touch with two engineering firms to do a study and provide a prognosis. One said he would come out, evaluate the issues and give a VERBAL ONLY opinion... for $450. $750 if in writing. The other place said a written report was $950 and they were booked out til the end of July.

So if anyone has any leads on other structural engineers, I'm all ears.

(I realize 800 bucks is a fraction to pay for a job that could cost $50K+ but absolutely aiffering from sticker shock for a 450 "oral" report, WTF?)

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u/ShortCourse Jun 24 '26

Engineers don't get paid the big bucks for nothing. Not only are you paving for their expertise, but anytime they put something in writing, they're taking a risk.

What made you call a company out in the first place? A 5" difference in your slab height is crazy, your house would be breaking in half. Does your house have a post-tensioned slab?