Before you sign
A red flag is a reason to ask questions, not proof of misconduct or unnecessary work. The goal is a scope you can understand and compare.
Foundation quote red flags are signals to slow the decision down. They do not prove that a company is dishonest or that a repair is unnecessary. A fair review asks whether the recommendation is documented, measurable and comparable before price or financing becomes the main conversation.
A legitimate promotion can have an end date. The concern is pressure that prevents you from reading the scope, checking credentials or comparing the same work.
What to ask for: Ask for the complete proposal, discount terms and expiration date in writing. A documented structural scope should still make sense after the appointment.
A company that sells repair work may still identify a real problem. The incentive is simply different from that of a professional who is paid only to evaluate or design.
What to ask for: For a major structural commitment, ask whether an appropriately licensed independent professional can verify the cause, method and measured quantity.
“Foundation repair” is not a comparable scope. Piering, wall stabilization, crack repair, drainage work and finish restoration use different units and solve different problems.
What to ask for: Ask for the method, measured quantity, unit price, site work, engineering, permits, exclusions, restoration and warranty terms.
“Inspector” can describe different roles. A no-cost visit can be useful, but it can also be part of a sales process.
What to ask for: Ask what credentials the person holds, how to verify any claimed license, who pays them and whether compensation changes if you sign.
Payment options may be useful, but a manageable monthly payment does not establish that the repair method or quantity is appropriate.
What to ask for: Set the financing discussion aside until the written proposal explains what was observed, why the method fits and what the total price includes.
A higher or lower bid can be legitimate. National ranges cannot see the access, engineering, excavation, restoration or other conditions at your property.
What to ask for: Use the difference as a question, not a verdict. Ask which documented quantities, inclusions or site conditions explain it.
No. 07 — Written scope
The Federal Trade Commission recommends getting written estimates, understanding the contract and resisting pressure to decide immediately. State and local contract rules vary, so this is a general review list rather than a substitute for local requirements. [1]
If someone claims a professional license, verify it with the relevant state licensing board rather than relying on a title alone. The NCEES directory links to U.S. engineering and surveying boards. [2]
Free inspections are the most expensive thing in this industry when “free” hides a sales incentive you never examine.
Ask who performs the inspection, what credentials they hold, and whether compensation depends on the sale.
No. 08 — Questions
No. A deadline or promotion is not proof of misconduct. It becomes a reason to pause when pressure prevents you from reviewing the complete scope, checking credentials or comparing written proposals.
A useful quote identifies the repair method, measured quantity, unit or project price, engineering and permit responsibility, site work, exclusions, restoration, payment schedule, warranty terms and change-order process.
Requirements and scopes vary. For a major structural commitment, an appropriately licensed professional who does not sell the work can provide a separate review of the cause, proposed method and quantity.
No. 09 — Sources
Source date 2026-01-01; verified 2026-07-26. Evidence class: official-consumer-guidance; family: ftc. Supports written-estimate, contract and payment checks. It does not support a fair-price threshold.
Source date 2026-01-01; verified 2026-07-26. Evidence class: official-licensing; family: ncees. Directory for the relevant state engineering licensing authority; it does not provide price data.