Foundation Repair Engineering Services
AAA Engineering Design provides expert foundation repair engineering for residential and commercial properties throughout California. Our licensed Professional Engineers diagnose foundation problems, design permanent repair solutions, and deliver PE-stamped plans that pass building department review.
What is Foundation Repair?
Foundation problems threaten the safety, value, and usability of any structure. Settlement, cracking, heaving, and deterioration require professional engineering assessment to determine the root cause and design effective, permanent repairs. Our structural engineers specialize in foundation repair design for California buildings, addressing soil-related issues, seismic damage, age-related deterioration, and construction defects with proven engineering solutions.
Why Choose Our Foundation Repair Services
Licensed PE assessment identifies the true cause of foundation distress
Permanent repair solutions designed to address root causes, not just symptoms
PE-stamped plans accepted by all California building departments
Cost-effective designs that avoid unnecessary over-engineering
Experience with all California soil types including expansive clay and fill
Coordination with geotechnical engineers and foundation repair contractors
Designs that restore structural integrity and protect property value
What We Provide
Comprehensive foundation repair services with complete documentation
Foundation Assessment & Diagnosis
Thorough on-site evaluation of foundation distress including crack mapping, floor level surveys, and analysis of underlying soil conditions to determine the root cause of damage.
Underpinning Design
Engineering design for push piers, helical piers, drilled piers, and other underpinning systems to stabilize foundations affected by settlement or inadequate bearing capacity.
Settlement Correction Plans
Comprehensive repair plans addressing differential and uniform settlement, including lift and stabilization sequences, monitoring protocols, and acceptance criteria.
Crack Repair Engineering
Structural evaluation of foundation cracks to determine if they are cosmetic or structural, with engineered repair details including epoxy injection, carbon fiber reinforcement, and section replacement.
PE-Stamped Construction Documents
Complete permit-ready structural drawings and calculations for foundation repair, including excavation plans, pier layouts, connection details, and construction specifications.
Construction Phase Support
Site observation during critical repair phases, verification of bearing capacity, and documentation of repair completion to ensure design intent is achieved.
How It Works
Our streamlined process for foundation repair
Initial Consultation
Free phone consultation to discuss your foundation concerns, review photos or reports you have, and determine if an on-site evaluation is needed.
Site Investigation
On-site inspection of foundation conditions including crack documentation, floor level survey, drainage evaluation, and assessment of structural damage to the building above.
Cause Analysis
Engineering analysis to determine the root cause of foundation distress, which may include soil investigation, review of geotechnical data, and evaluation of site drainage and grading.
Repair Design
Development of an engineered repair solution tailored to your specific foundation problem, soil conditions, building type, and budget requirements.
Drawing Production
Preparation of detailed structural drawings showing all repair work including excavation limits, pier locations, connection details, and construction sequencing.
PE Stamping & Permit Submittal
Final engineering review, PE stamping of all documents, and support for building department submittal including response to plan check corrections.
Contractor Coordination
Assistance with contractor selection, pre-construction meetings, clarification of repair scope, and review of contractor questions or proposed alternatives.
Construction Observation
Site visits during critical repair phases to verify proper installation, confirm bearing conditions, and document that repairs meet engineering specifications.
Common Applications
We provide foundation repair for a wide range of projects
Cost Information
Transparent pricing for your project
Typical Range:
$2,000 - $8,000 for engineering services; $5,000 - $50,000+ for construction
Factors Affecting Cost:
- Severity and extent of foundation damage
- Building size, type, and number of stories
- Soil conditions and geotechnical requirements
- Type of repair system required (piers, underpinning, replacement)
- Number of piers or support points needed
- Accessibility of foundation for repair work
Foundation repair engineering fees depend on the severity of damage, building size, and complexity of the repair solution.
Timeline
What to expect for your project
Design Phase
2-3 weeks for engineering design and drawings
Permitting
2-6 weeks depending on jurisdiction
Total Timeline
4-9 weeks from assessment to permit approval
Timelines vary based on project complexity, jurisdiction requirements, and information availability. We provide detailed schedules during consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about foundation repair
How do I know if my foundation needs repair?
Warning signs include cracks in walls or floors, doors and windows that stick or no longer close properly, uneven or sloping floors, gaps between walls and ceilings, and visible cracks in the foundation itself. A licensed structural engineer determines whether these signs indicate structural foundation problems or cosmetic issues.
Do I need a structural engineer for foundation repair?
Yes. California building departments require PE-stamped engineering plans for structural foundation repairs. An engineer identifies the root cause, designs the correct repair, and ensures the solution addresses the actual problem rather than just treating symptoms. Without engineering, repairs often fail or create new problems.
How much does foundation repair cost in California?
Engineering fees typically range from $2,000-$8,000 depending on project complexity. Construction costs range from $5,000 for minor repairs to $50,000 or more for major underpinning projects. We provide detailed cost estimates during the assessment phase so you can budget accurately before committing.
What causes foundation problems in Southern California?
Common causes include expansive clay soils that swell and shrink with moisture changes, poor site drainage, inadequate original foundation design, hillside soil movement, earthquake damage, tree root intrusion, and plumbing leaks that erode supporting soil. Southern California's dry climate and clay soils make foundation issues particularly common.
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover foundation settlement or soil movement. However, insurance may cover foundation damage caused by plumbing leaks or sudden events. Our engineering reports provide clear documentation of damage cause and extent, which supports insurance claims when coverage applies.
Can a foundation be repaired without lifting the house?
Yes. Many foundation repairs stabilize the foundation in its current position to prevent further movement. Lifting is only necessary when settlement has caused significant structural damage or functional problems. Our engineers evaluate whether stabilization alone is sufficient or if re-leveling is required for your specific situation.
How long does foundation repair construction take?
Most residential foundation repairs take 1-3 weeks of construction after permits are obtained. Larger commercial projects or extensive residential repairs take 3-6 weeks. The engineering and permitting phase typically takes 4-9 weeks before construction begins.
Do you provide foundation repair engineering for commercial buildings?
Yes. We design foundation repairs for commercial buildings, warehouses, retail centers, and multi-family residential structures. Commercial foundation repair often involves specialized systems like micropiles, soil grouting, or structural slab replacement, all of which we design and detail.