DIY Foundation Repair in Montgomery, AL

When foundation problems appear, many handy homeowners in Montgomery, Alabama

wonder if they can fix the issue themselves. The internet is full of DIY foundation repair videos,

but most of them are misleading or dangerous. Understanding what you can and cannot do

safely saves you time, money, and potential injury.

DIY Tasks That Are Safe and Effective

You can perform several tasks to prevent foundation problems and address minor issues.

Cleaning gutters and extending downspouts costs little and prevents water from pooling near

the foundation. Regrading soil around your house to slope away is hard work but doable.

Installing a soaker hose system to keep clay soil consistently moist during drought is

straightforward. Filling small, non‑structural cracks (less than 1/8 inch) with masonry caulk or

hydraulic cement is acceptable as a temporary measure. Montgomery Foundation Repair Co

encourages homeowners to handle these maintenance tasks.

What You Should Never DIY

Never attempt to install push piers, helical piers, or any type of foundation underpinning

yourself. These require heavy equipment, engineered designs, and experience to avoid

damaging your home. Do not inject epoxy or polyurethane into structural cracks without proper

training—you can trap water or air, making the problem worse. Do not attempt to lift a settled

foundation with car jacks or bottle jacks; you can crack the foundation or cause a collapse. Do

not remove or cut structural beams or posts. Do not dig soil from under your foundation to

“level” it. These actions are extremely dangerous.

Risks of DIY Foundation Repair

If you attempt major foundation repairs yourself, several bad outcomes are possible. You could

destabilize your home, causing a partial collapse that injures you or family members. You could

make the problem worse, turning a $10,000 repair into a $50,000 disaster. You could void any

existing warranty or insurance coverage. When you eventually sell your home, a home

inspector will likely spot non‑professional repairs, and buyers will demand a discount or walk

away. Montgomery Foundation Repair Co has been called to fix many DIY failures, and the

homeowners always end up paying more than if they had hired us first.

Hiring a Professional Is Still Affordable

Foundation repair is expensive, but DIY is not a viable shortcut. Montgomery Foundation

Repair Co offers free inspections and financing options to make professional repair

manageable. We also break projects into phases if needed. The peace of mind that comes with

a licensed, insured, warrantied repair is invaluable. One misstep with DIY underpinning could

cost you your home.

Frequently Asked Questions