6 Foundation Repair Mistakes To Avoid

Make sure you repair your foundation right the first time in West Texas—with the help of Childers Brothers, Inc.

Your foundation is one of the most important elements that makes up your home. If your foundation is damaged or settling, the effects can be seen and felt throughout the entire structure of your home. But despite that, homeowners often don’t think much about foundation repair and when it comes time to repair their foundation, often they fall into common mistakes. You can avoid these mistakes by first knowing what common foundation repair mistakes there are.

1. Missing the Signs

One of the most common foundation repair mistakes is to put off foundation repair simply because homeowners fail to notice that their foundation is in trouble at all. There are obvious signs when you know what to look for, but many don’t. Some of these signs include:

• Cracks in the drywall, ceiling, or floor

• Windows and doors that are jammed shut and no longer fit within their frames

• Sagging floors

• A leaning chimney

• Moisture or poor construction in the crawl space

These issues alone might not make you think immediately of your foundation, especially things like sticking windows and doors. However, issues with door and window frames is often a result of the house rising or sinking due to foundation upheaval or settling. If you notice these issues, foundation repair is certainly worth looking into.

2. Hesitating to Contact a Foundation Repair Professional

The next fatal mistake when it comes to foundation issues is not contacting a foundation repair professional right away. Some homeowners notice the signs and put it on their list, but they don’t treat foundation repair with the urgency it requires. The truth is if you notice signs such as the above in your home, that means your foundation is already settling or being upheaved. Foundation issues are not likely to stagnate, but rather progressively grow worse until they’re addressed and repaired.

3. Rushing the Concrete Curing Process

This is a construction issue; and if you notice cracks in the walls, ceiling, or floor soon after the home has been constructed, there’s a chance this is the reason for it. Concrete should be kept moist throughout the curing process so that it doesn’t dry too quickly. If the concrete does dry too quickly, it can become brittle and prone to cracking. However, you want to make sure the concrete isn’t kept too moist. If it holds that moisture through into winter, it could freeze and become brittle that way, as well.

4. Planting Trees Too Near the Foundation

Homeowners often plant flower beds against the sides of their home to boost their curb appeal. There’s no harm to this, but large plants such as trees can pose a threat to your foundation. Trees have large, expansive roots — roots that crawl underneath your foundation and suck up all the moisture, leaving the foundation’s soil dry and brittle, which can make the foundation unstable. Tree roots are also heavy and could even push the foundation, upheaving it and causing cracks. Even large shrubs can be an issue in this way, so if you plant near the foundation, make sure to keep it small.

5. Not Maintaining The Correct Moisture Level

It’s important for your foundational soil to have that “just right” level of moisture. If the foundation is too dry, it can contract and shrink, whereas foundational soil that’s too moist will do the opposite. If the foundational soil is constantly changing from too dry to too wet, it can wreak havoc on your foundation. You want to make sure it’s moist and healthy, without being damp and soggy.

6. Poor Drainage or Lack of Drainage Near the Foundation

The point of a roof gutter system is to keep water from running off the roof and into the foundational soil of the home by funneling it away from the house, towards a downspout. However, if there are no roof gutters or if the roof gutters are damaged, there’s nothing to protect your foundation from water runoff. This can lead to the foundation becoming too damp which, as the point above states, is not ideal and could lead to foundational damage down the line.

The Risks of DIY Foundation Repair

Attempting to fix foundation issues yourself may seem like a cost-saving option, but it often leads to bigger problems. DIY foundation repair risks include misdiagnosing the problem, using the wrong materials, or worsening the damage—mistakes that can compromise your home’s structural integrity. Knowing what not to do in foundation repair is just as important as knowing what to do. When it comes to something this critical, trust the professionals.

Hiring the Right Contractor Will Prevent Foundation Repair Mistakes

One of the most common foundation repair errors is hiring an inexperienced contractor. With over 50 years of experience and 20,000+ satisfied customers, Childers Brothers is the proven choice for avoiding foundation damage. Our certified technicians undergo continuous training and always deliver professional, reliable results. We show up on time, communicate clearly, and stand behind our work with strong warranties.

Professional Foundation Repair Advice from Trusted Experts

Our team provides science-based solutions backed by data, not guesswork. Every project begins with a free 27-Point Analysis to identify the root cause of the issue. This comprehensive assessment helps us avoid common foundation repair mistakes and tailor a plan that fits your home and budget. Get foundation repair tips from experts who do it right the first time.

Foundation Repair FAQs

How Can I Tell If a Foundation Issue is Minor or Serious?

Minor issues may include small cosmetic cracks, but signs like uneven floors, sticking doors, or wall separation often indicate serious structural concerns. A professional evaluation is the best way to determine the true severity.

What Happens If I Delay Foundation Repair too Long?

Delaying foundation repair can lead to worsening structural damage, higher repair costs, and potential safety hazards. What starts as a small issue can quickly escalate, affecting floors, walls, plumbing, and even resale value.

How Do I Know if a Foundation Repair Method is The Right One for My Home?

Every home is different. The right method depends on your soil type, foundation style, and severity of damage. Childers Brothers uses a 27-Point Analysis to determine the best solution based on real data.

Can Improper Drainage Still Damage a Repaired Foundation?

Yes. Even after foundation repair, poor drainage can reintroduce moisture issues and compromise stability. It's essential to maintain gutters, downspouts, and grading to ensure water is properly directed away from your home’s base.

What Should I Ask Before Hiring A Foundation Repair Contractor?

Ask about their experience, warranty coverage, diagnostic methods, and the technologies they use. A reputable contractor should offer transparent communication, detailed inspections, and proven, science-based solutions—not one-size-fits-all fixes.

What Risks Are Associated With Using Untested or Generic Foundation Repair Products?

Untested or low-quality products can fail over time, worsening damage or requiring repeat repairs. Proven solutions—like carbon fiber reinforcement or helical piers—ensure greater longevity and structural stability backed by solid manufacturer warranties.

How Do Local Soil Conditions Impact Foundation Performance?

Soil type directly affects foundation stability. Expansive clay, common in many regions, can shrink or swell with moisture changes, leading to movement. Childers Brothers accounts for these conditions using exclusive soil stabilization products.

What Should My Foundation Inspection Involve?

Without a thorough inspection, repairs may only address symptoms, not the root cause. Our 27-Point Analysis ensures no detail is missed, allowing for precise, long-lasting solutions based on the structure and soil conditions.

How Can I Prevent Needing Foundation Repairs Again in The Future?

Proper drainage, moisture control, and regular inspections are key to prevention. Avoid large tree plantings near your home, and consider proactive soil stabilization to reduce the impact of expanding or contracting soil.

How Does Childers Brothers Ensure Foundation Repairs is Tailored to My Home?

We never use guesswork or generic solutions. Every project begins with a proprietary 27-Point Foundation Analysis that guides a fully customized repair plan—designed to match your soil, structure, and specific foundation needs.

What Kind of Foundation Repair Methods Does Childers Brothers Use?

Childers Brothers uses proven, science-backed methods including helical piers, pier and beam adjustments, carbon fiber reinforcement and H-beam installation for basement stabilization, and exclusive EcSS 3000 soil stabilization. Each solution is customized based on a detailed 27-Point Analysis to ensure lasting results.

Get the Professional Foundation Repair Advice You Need

The good news is that foundation repair mistakes can be fixed with the help of a professional foundation repair expert. Need to be sure that your home’s foundation is well cared for? Trust Childers Brothers, Inc. Contact us today for more information or a free estimate to get started.