Questions to ask
- What is causing the movement? A good answer names the soil, the water or the footing, not just the product.
- Can I see it in writing? The plan, every pier or anchor location and the total price before work starts.
- Who pulls the permit? The contractor should, from the office that covers your address.
- Are you registered and insured? Ask for a certificate of insurance sent from the agent, not a photo of one.
- What does the warranty cover, and does it transfer? Get the terms in writing.
- What happens if piers need to go deeper? The price for extra depth should be in the contract.
- Will the drainage be fixed too? If water started the problem, the plan should deal with it.
What Missouri registration means
Businesses operating in Missouri register with the Missouri Secretary of State, and you can look a company up in its online business search. That shows the business exists; it is not a skill license. Some St. Louis-area cities and the county run their own contractor registration or licensing for certain work, which is another thing to ask about.
Red flags
- Pressure to sign the same day, or a big discount that expires tonight
- A price given without measuring anything
- No mention of a permit for pier or wall work
- A large cash deposit before any materials are ordered
- Every house they look at needs the same system
Get more than one opinion
For big jobs, a second inspection is reasonable, and for complex cases a structural engineer's report gives you a neutral view. We would rather you hire us after comparing than before.
Quick answers
Should I hire an engineer first?
For large or unusual jobs, or for a sale, an engineer's report is worth it. For a single settled corner, a contractor's inspection is often enough to decide.
Is the lowest price the best choice?
Compare the number and placement of piers, the depth included, the warranty and the drainage work. Cheap often means fewer piers.
How long do warranties last?
It varies by company and product. Read the terms and ask whether they transfer to a buyer.
