Structural repair checklists
Four checklists matter: documenting the symptoms before anyone visits, vetting the engineer, comparing bids against one scope, and signing off the finished work. Doing them in that order is what stops a homeowner overpaying on a repair that averages $5,179 and can reach $40,000 for underpinning (This Old House and Fixr, 2026).
Before anyone visits. Photograph every crack with a ruler or coin for scale. Pencil-mark and date each crack end. Note which doors and windows stick and when it started. Note where water goes when it rains. Find any prior repair paperwork, inspection reports or seller disclosures.
Vetting the engineer. Confirm they are a licensed professional engineer in your state, that they do not sell or take referral fees from repair work, that the fee includes a written report, and that they will take floor elevation readings across the whole plan rather than spot checks.
Comparing bids. Every bid should state the method, the pier count or linear feet, the depth, access and excavation plan, what is restored afterward, the warranty terms in writing, what voids the warranty, whether it transfers on sale, and who pulls the permit.
Signing off. Before the final payment: as-built elevations, photos of the installed work before backfill, the permit closed out where one was required, warranty documents in your name, and lien waivers from subcontractors.
Choosing structural repair checklists
The judgement calls that decide the bill, before anyone quotes you.
- Photograph before backfill Once the trench is closed you cannot see what was installed. Ask for dated photos of every pier or anchor in place, or take your own.
- Get the warranty before you pay, not after Read the actual document. Ask what specifically voids it and whether it survives a sale - do not accept a verbal summary.
- Never pay large sums up front A deposit is normal; paying most of the job before work starts is not. Tie payments to milestones.
- Keep the whole file Engineer's report, bids, contract, permits, photos, warranty. This package is what protects you at resale.
All structural repair checklists
Structural Repair Pre-Project Checklist
Structural Repair Hiring Checklist
Structural Repair Maintenance Checklist
Structural Repair Safety Checklist
Where these figures come from
Sources last checked
- This Old House - Foundation Repair Cost (2026) · retrieved 2026-07-25
- Fixr - How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Foundation in 2026? · retrieved 2026-07-25
- This Old House - Foundation Cracks: What Is Normal and When to Worry · retrieved 2026-07-25
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