Really frustrated right now. Had a foundation company come out and they said I need wall anchors immediately, quoted me $22k. Got a second opinion from a structural engineer and he said the cracks are stable and just need monitoring. The foundation company is now calling me saying im risking my home by waiting. Who do i believe here? The engineer cost $500 for his report, the foundation company inspection was free.
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The engineer has no financial incentive to tell you that you need repairs. The foundation company only makes money if you hire them. That should tell you everything. Engineers carry professional liability insurance and can lose their license for bad advice. Foundation salespeople have quotas to hit.
thats what i was thinking but the foundation guy was so convincing. he kept showing me pictures of houses that collapsed
thats a classic scare tactic. those collapse photos are usually from completely different situations - floods, earthquakes, sinkholes. not normal crack progression. trust your licensed PE
Went through this exact situation 4 years ago. Foundation company wanted 18k. Engineer said monitor. I installed crack gauges per his recommendation and nothing has moved in 4 years. Saved myself 18k. Listen to your engineer.
One thing to consider - the foundation company's "free inspection" is really a sales call. They send salespeople not engineers. The $500 you paid for the PE gets you an actual professional opinion from someone whos legally liable for their assessment. Thats the whole point.
i didnt think about it that way but youre right. the foundation guy never mentioned his qualifications, just how long the company has been in business