When you notice foundation issues, it can be difficult to decide where to start. Should you contact a foundation repair company or an engineer? Let’s break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
1. Services Offered
- Foundation Companies: Companies like Superior Foundation Repair specialize in assessing and fixing foundation problems. They use tools like the ZipLevel machine to measure elevation changes and identify foundation issues. From there, they create a repair plan tailored to your specific home.
- Engineers: A licensed structural engineer can evaluate your foundation and create a detailed report outlining the issues and recommended solutions. They don't carry out the repairs themselves but can provide you with a neutral, expert opinion. This report can be shared with multiple foundation companies to obtain estimates, often called a “bid based on the report.”
2. Cost Comparison
- Hiring an Engineer: While an engineer offers a comprehensive evaluation, their services come with a fee, typically ranging from $300 to $600 for a structural inspection and report. According to the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), this cost is standard for independent engineers.
- Foundation Companies: In contrast, Superior Foundation Repair offers free inspections and estimates for homeowners. You’ll receive a professional assessment of your foundation, and if repairs are needed, the work can proceed without the upfront costs of hiring an engineer. This approach can save you hundreds of dollars.
3. Certifications and Oversight
- Engineers: Structural engineers are licensed and regulated, which ensures that their evaluations meet industry standards. They provide unbiased assessments, but you still need to coordinate with foundation companies for bids and repairs based on their recommendations.
- Superior Foundation Repair: Although foundation companies typically don’t employ engineers directly, Superior Foundation Repair partners with a local licensed engineer to review and certify their repair plans. The cost for this certification is included in the overall repair price, so you don’t have to worry about additional coordination or fees.
4. Convenience
- Hiring an Engineer: While you’ll receive a detailed, unbiased report, you’ll need to follow up by contacting foundation companies to get bids for the actual repair work. This can take time, especially if you're trying to compare quotes from multiple contractors.
- Superior Foundation Repair: By contacting a foundation repair company like Superior directly, you can skip the coordination. They’ll handle the inspection, provide a repair estimate within 24-48 hours, and get the plans certified by an engineer—streamlining the process for you.
Conclusion:
When deciding between an engineer and a foundation company, it ultimately comes down to cost and convenience. If you want an independent evaluation with multiple bids, hiring an engineer may be the best choice. However, if you’re looking for a free inspection and a streamlined process, calling Superior Foundation Repair is a great option. Whichever path you choose, our goal is to serve you with high-quality, reliable foundation repairs.
For a free home estimate, call us at (512) 900-4765 or email us at service@sfraustin.com. We’re here to help!
