Foundation Problems in New Construction — Montgomery, AL

You might assume that a newly constructed home in Montgomery, Alabama would be free of

foundation problems. Unfortunately, new home foundation issues are surprisingly common.

From poor soil compaction to inadequate drainage, mistakes during construction can lead to

settlement and cracking within the first few years.

Common Causes of New Home Foundation Failure

Builders in Montgomery must deal with the same expansive clay as everyone else. Common

errors include: failing to remove topsoil and organic matter before pouring the slab; insufficient

compaction of fill dirt; not allowing deep foundations (piers) to bypass the active clay layer;

poor grading that directs water toward the foundation; and cutting corners on gutters and

downspouts. Montgomery Foundation Repair Co is frequently called to repair new homes that

are only 2‑5 years old. The builder’s warranty may cover some issues, but many builders

exclude foundation settlement.

Signs of Problems in a New Home

Watch for these red flags in a new home: cracks in the slab that appear within the first year;

doors that become difficult to latch; drywall cracks at the corners of windows and doors;

sloping floors that you can feel; and separation between the garage slab and the driveway.

Some settlement is normal in the first year as the soil adjusts, but cracks wider than 1/4 inch or

cracks that continue to grow are not normal. Montgomery Foundation Repair Co recommends

a foundation inspection at the 11‑month mark (just before the builder’s warranty expires) to

document any issues.

Builder Warranties vs. Foundation Repair

Most new home warranties cover foundation defects for 1 to 10 years, but the coverage is

often limited. The builder may only repair “structural” defects, excluding cosmetic cracking.

Some warranties require you to notify the builder in writing within a specific window. If the

builder refuses to fix the problem, you may need to hire your own contractor. Montgomery

Foundation Repair Co can perform the repair and help you pursue reimbursement from the

builder. Keep all documentation, including photos and inspection reports.

Preventing New Home Foundation Issues

If you are building a new home, take these steps. Hire an independent geotechnical engineer to

test the soil and recommend foundation design. Require the builder to install deep piers (helical

or push) if the engineer recommends them—don’t let the builder talk you out of it. Ensure the

builder compacts fill in 6‑inch lifts. Inspect the site after every heavy rain to see how water

flows. Montgomery Foundation Repair Co offers consulting for new construction, including

reviewing the builder’s plans and performing a pre‑drywall foundation inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions