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FAQ

Do you offer free inspections?

Yes. We’ll send a trained inspector to assess your foundation, drainage, concrete, or retaining wall and give you a clear, no-obligation report on what we find and what (if anything) needs to be done. If your home is sound and doesn’t need work, we’ll tell you that too.

Our inspector examines the relevant areas, whether it is drainage, concrete or foundation issues, including crawling under the home with a camera and a detailed checklist where needed, and documents the condition of your foundation, any water damage, and anything that could affect the safety or value of your home and property. You’re welcome to come along and see it firsthand. You’ll receive a written report and a clear explanation of your options.

No. We only recommend work that’s actually needed based on the condition, structure type, age, and the level of protection you want. If there’s nothing to fix, we’ll say so.
It depends on the scope. Costs vary with the type of structure, the extent of the damage, access to the work area, soil conditions, and any related repairs (for example, replacing termite- or moisture-damaged wood). After the inspection we provide a written, no-obligation estimate so you know exactly what you’re paying for before any work begins.
Call us or fill out the form on any page to request your free inspection. We’ll follow up quickly to schedule a time that works for you.
What causes foundation problems?
Most foundation problems trace back to water and soil. Common causes include broken pipes, water pooling near the foundation, poor drainage, erosion, tree roots growing against or beneath the foundation, and the expansive clay soils common in Los Angeles that swell and shrink with moisture and push on the foundation. Improper site preparation before the home was built also shows up as problems later.
Warning signs include cracks in walls or floors, doors and windows that stick, sloping or uneven floors, gaps around window and door frames, and cracks in the foundation itself. The surest way to know is a professional inspection — many issues are only visible from under the home.
Both. We install new foundations and repair or replace existing ones. If damage is caught early, we can often repair it in place. If it’s more advanced, a “sister foundation” can reinforce and support the existing one. If it’s too far gone, we perform a full foundation replacement.
It varies by the size and type of job, but most foundation repairs take about 4 to 7 days to complete. We’ll give you an expected timeline with your estimate.
Yes. Consistent foundation watering during dry months helps keep the clay soils around your foundation from drying out and shifting — one of the few preventive steps a homeowner can take. Good drainage that moves water away from the house is just as important. Ask us for maintenance tips during your inspection.
Retrofitting ties the house together and secures it to its foundation, greatly increasing its resistance to earthquake damage and reducing the risk of injury. Strengthened homes are safer, easier to insure, and easier to sell — California sellers must disclose whether a home is bolted. If you’d like an assessment, we can inspect your home and explain your options.
It’s best to address foundation issues when the first signs appear — cracks, unexplained fissures, sticking doors, or uneven floors. Foundation problems don’t fix themselves; the longer you wait, the more the damage spreads and the more extensive (and expensive) the repair becomes. An early inspection is free, so there’s no downside to finding out where you stand.
Not always. For many repairs, our inspection and detailed report are enough to move forward. For larger or more complex jobs, a soil engineer or structural engineer can document the extent of movement and provide formal recommendations — we’ll tell you honestly if your project calls for one, and we can work alongside an engineer when it does.
Both are common culprits in Los Angeles. Our clay soils are “expansive” — they swell when wet and shrink when dry, pushing on and pulling away from your foundation with the seasons and causing cracks and movement. Large trees make it worse: a single mature tree can pull well over a hundred gallons of water a day out of the soil, drying it out and letting the foundation settle. Managing moisture (consistent watering, good drainage, mindful landscaping) is one of the best things a homeowner can do.
It depends on your policy, and in most cases standard homeowner policies do *not* cover foundation repair — they tend to cover sudden, accidental damage, while foundation problems usually develop gradually. Coverage is sometimes possible when a covered event (like an earthquake, with the right clause) causes the damage. The best move is to read your policy and ask your agent directly about foundation and earth-movement coverage. Either way, we can inspect the damage and help you understand your options.
Why does drainage matter for my foundation?
Water is the number one enemy of a foundation. Poor drainage lets water pool against and under the house, saturating the soil and putting pressure on the foundation. Good drainage moves water away from the structure and is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect it.
French drains, catch basins and surface drains, channel and trench drains, sump pumps, soil grading, gutters, and hillside drainage — new installation and repair.
Signs include water pooling in the yard or against the house after rain, a damp or musty crawl space, erosion, water stains in the garage or basement, and soil that stays soggy. An inspection will pinpoint where water is going and how to redirect it.
What concrete work do you do?
Driveways, sidewalks, patios, retaining walls and slabs — plus concrete repair, resurfacing, and overlays. We handle both new installation and repair of existing concrete.
It depends on the cause and extent of the damage. Surface issues can often be repaired or resurfaced; structural cracks or heaving may require replacement. We’ll assess it and recommend the most cost-effective option that will actually last.
Do you build new retaining walls and repair existing ones?

Both. We build new retaining walls, repair and reinforce failing ones, and handle related work like block walls, backyard expansion, and hillside or slope stabilization, as well as providing waterproofing or drainage solutions when necessary.

Watch for leaning or bulging, cracks, separation at joints, soil or water escaping from behind the wall, and erosion at the base. These are signs the wall is under more pressure than it was built to hold — get it inspected before it fails.
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Yes. California Foundation Works is a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor. We’re happy to provide our license number and proof of insurance on request.
Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. If you’re not sure whether you’re in our service area, just ask.
Yes — we stand behind our workmanship. We’ll go over the specific warranty for your project as part of your estimate.
Our own experienced crews. Beyond the specialized work, we also project-manage everything needed to finish the job — we don’t leave you hanging partway through.
Call us or send a message through the contact form and we’ll get right back to you. Your inspection is free and there’s no obligation.

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Our representative will review the information you provide and will contact you within 24 hours.