Who will actually do the work?
Tallahassee Foundation is a lead referral service. We connect you with one independent local foundation contractor who works in Tallahassee. That contractor inspects your home and writes the estimate. If you hire them, they do the work. Your deal for the work is with them.
Is the inspection really free?
Yes. The inspection and written estimate cost nothing. You do not have to go ahead.
How do I know if I need foundation repair?
Look for doors that stick and cracks that run from the corners of doors and windows. Look for stair-step cracks in brick. Look for floors that slope or bounce. A floor level check at the inspection shows if the house really moved.
How much does foundation repair cost in Tallahassee?
One cost guide puts Tallahassee jobs at $2,300 to $23,500. The national average is about $5,200. A pier costs about $1,000 to $3,000. Your exact price comes in writing after the free inspection.
Is my problem a sinkhole?
Probably not. Most cracks in Tallahassee homes come from settling, soft fill or water. Some signs can point to a sinkhole. These include a new round dip in the yard, cracks that grow fast, or damage that spreads quickly. Only a test by an engineer or geologist can tell for sure.
Does home insurance cover foundation repair or sinkholes in Florida?
Normal settling is not usually covered. Every Florida policy must cover a catastrophic ground cover collapse. That is a sudden collapse that gets the home condemned. Insurers must also offer more sinkhole coverage for an added cost. Check your policy. Talk to your agent.
Will the state come out and check a possible sinkhole?
No. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection says it does not inspect possible sinkholes. It sends homeowners to a home inspector or foundation expert. If anyone could get hurt, call local law enforcement.
Can you fix brick cracks caused by foundation movement?
Yes. The contractor can fix cracked mortar and brick. If the house is still moving, they will also fix the cause. If not, the cracks will come back.
Do I need a permit for foundation repair?
Many structural repairs need a building permit. Inside the city, it comes from the City of Tallahassee Building Division. Outside the city, it comes from Leon County. The contractor usually pulls it.
How do I check that a contractor is licensed?
Ask for their Florida license number. Look it up on the state license search at myfloridalicense.com. Ask for proof of insurance too. Get the warranty in writing.
How long does foundation repair take?
Many pier jobs take one to three days once work starts. Crawl space jobs depend on how much wood needs to be replaced. Sinkhole work depends on the test and how much grout is needed.
Do you work outside Tallahassee?
Yes. We connect homeowners across Leon County and nearby towns. These include Woodville, Bradfordville, Crawfordville, Quincy and Havana. See our service areas page for more.