The Foundation Repair Process in Montgomery, AL
Understanding the foundation repair process helps Montgomery, Alabama homeowners know
what to expect and reduces anxiety about the work. While each project is unique, most
foundation repairs follow a similar sequence. This article walks you through the steps from
inspection to final clean‑up.
Step 1: Free Inspection and Quote
The process begins with a no‑obligation inspection by Montgomery Foundation Repair Co. A
technician measures floor elevations with a digital level, inspects cracks, checks crawl spaces
or basements, and examines exterior conditions. We explain the findings and recommend a
repair plan. If you approve, we provide a written quote with a detailed scope of work, timeline,
and price. You are never pressured to sign. Most inspections take one hour and are scheduled
within a week of your call.
Step 2: Permit and Material Ordering
For projects requiring underpinning, we obtain the necessary building permits from
Montgomery or your local jurisdiction. Permits ensure the work meets code and protects you.
We also order steel piers, brackets, or other materials. This step typically takes a few days to a
week. Montgomery Foundation Repair Co handles all paperwork; you do not need to visit any
government office.
Step 3: Excavation and Pier Installation
Crews arrive on the scheduled start date. For slab foundations, they cut access holes through
the floor inside your home. For crawl spaces, they work from below. Excavation exposes the
footing at each pier location. Then hydraulic equipment drives or torques steel piers into the
ground until they reach stable bearing strata. This is the noisiest and dustiest part of the
process. For a typical home, pier installation takes one to two days.
Step 4: Lifting and Lock‑Off
After all piers are installed, hydraulic jacks lift the foundation back to its original elevation.
Lifting is done slowly and incrementally to minimize cosmetic damage. Once level, each pier is
locked off with a bracket. The foundation is now permanently supported. Montgomery
Foundation Repair Co then backfills the excavations, compacts soil, and patches concrete
access holes. Floor coverings (tile, hardwood, carpet) are repaired as much as possible.
Step 5: Final Inspection and Warranty
After the work is complete, we perform a final level survey to confirm the foundation is within
tolerance. You receive a written report and warranty documents. We also provide maintenance
recommendations (e.g., keeping gutters clean, maintaining soil moisture). Montgomery
Foundation Repair Co schedules a follow‑up visit at no charge one year later to check for any
changes. You are now free to use your home normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need to move out during foundation repair?
No. The work is done around your home, and you can stay inside. There will be noise and some dust, but not enough to require relocation. Crawl space work may have odors from sealants, but they dissipate quickly.
How long does the entire foundation repair process take?
Inspection: 1 hour. Permitting: 3‑7 days. Installation: 1‑3 days. Total from first call to completion is usually 1‑2 weeks. Larger or complex homes may take 3‑4 weeks.
Will my yard be torn up?
For slab foundations, most work is inside. For perimeter piers, we excavate small pits (2x2 feet) around the outside of your home. These are backfilled and seeded. The disruption is minimal compared to the benefit.
Can I walk on the foundation during repairs?
Yes, the foundation remains stable throughout the process. The hydraulic lifting may cause minor vibrations, but it is safe to be in the home.
Need a free foundation inspection from a licensed Montgomery contractor?
Call (334) 835-5928