If you’ve discovered a foundation problem in your home, your first thought is likely, “How much will this cost?” Your second thought should be, “How do I make sure I never have to pay for this again?”

In Tallahassee, our soil moves a lot. Because of this, a foundation repair is only as good as the warranty that comes with it. But many warranties are filled with “fine print” that makes them hard to understand.

Here is a simple, no-nonsense guide to the protection you should demand from any contractor you hire.

The “Stay with the House” Rule (Transferability)

This is the most important part of a warranty if you ever plan to sell your home.

• The Simple Truth: A good warranty stays with the house, not the person.
• Why it matters: If you sell your home in five years, the new owner will want to know the foundation is still protected. If the warranty is “non-transferable,” it expires the moment you move out.
• What to ask: “If I sell my house, does this warranty automatically protect the next owner?”

Lifetime vs. Limited: What’s the Difference?

You will hear the word “Lifetime” a lot. But you need to know whose lifetime they are talking about.

• Workmanship (The Labor): This usually lasts 1–5 years. It covers mistakes made during the actual work (like a bolt not being tightened correctly).
• The Materials (The Steel): High-quality piers should have a Lifetime Warranty. This means the steel itself is guaranteed not to break or fail for as long as the house is standing.
• The “Company Lifetime”: This is a hard truth—if a company goes out of business, their warranty is just a piece of paper. Always choose a local company with a long history in Tallahassee.

The “How Much Movement?” Clause

Every foundation moves a tiny bit as the seasons change. However, a warranty should tell you exactly when the contractor will come back to fix a shift for free.

Simple Tip: Ask your contractor to show you the “tolerance level.” A professional company will usually say, “If this part of the foundation moves more than 1/4 of an inch, we come back and adjust it at no cost to you.”

Watch Out for “Service Fees”

Some companies offer a “Free Lifetime Warranty” but then charge a $500 “Service Fee” every time they have to come out to look at a problem.

• Demand Transparency: A true warranty should cover the inspection and the adjustment if the repair fails. Be sure to ask if there are any “hidden fees” for future warranty visits.

Red Flags to Avoid

If you see these things in a warranty, be very careful:

• “Void if it rains”: Some warranties are voided by “natural disasters.” In Tallahassee, we have heavy rain. Your warranty should account for our local weather.
• Verbal Promises: If a contractor says, “Don’t worry, we’ll take care of you,” but it isn’t in the written contract, it doesn’t exist.
• No Physical Address: Only hire contractors who have a real office in the Tallahassee area. You need to know where to find them if a problem arises.

The Bottom Line

A foundation repair is an investment in your home’s safety. You aren’t just paying for steel and labor; you are paying for the peace of mind that your floors will stay level and your doors will keep swinging shut.

At Crawlspace Tallahassee, we believe in simple, honest protection. We provide clear, written warranties that stay with the home, ensuring your investment is protected for decades—not just days.

Want a second opinion on a warranty you’ve been offered? Or ready for a repair that’s backed by real protection? Schedule your Free Structural Inspection or Call us.