Foundation Repairs: How Long Do They Take?

How Long Does It Really Take to Fix a Foundation?

If you’re looking at those widening cracks in your drywall or noticing your doors getting stickier each season, you’re probably wondering: “How long will foundation repairs actually take?” I’ve been in this business for years, and I can tell you that fixing a foundation doesn’t take forever, but it’s definitely not a quick afternoon project either.

The timeline really depends on several factors: how big your home is, what type of foundation you have, how bad the damage has gotten, and what repair method we need to use. Some projects wrap up in just a couple of days, while others might take a full week. Either way, my team moves quickly but never cuts corners.

What Affects Your Repair Timeline?

Every house tells its own story. Some sit on pretty stable soil and just need a small adjustment. Others have been slowly sinking for years and need some serious work to get back on track.

Here’s what can affect how long your repairs might take:

• The type of foundation makes a big difference. Slab foundations usually mean we’re working from the outside, excavating along the perimeter. Pier and beam foundations require us to crawl underneath your house to adjust or replace wooden framing. Different approaches mean different timelines.
• How extensive the damage is matters too. If your home has only settled slightly and we catch it early, repairs go pretty fast. But if sections of your house are significantly sinking or have shifted unevenly, we’ll need more time to carefully address everything.
• The number of piers or supports needed is another factor. Simply put, more piers mean more digging, more lifting, and more precision work. A job with just six piers will naturally go faster than one that needs 30.
• Weather can definitely slow us down. We’re not afraid of dirt, but we do need it to stay relatively stable. Heavy rain or standing water can delay excavation or postpone lifting operations.
• Access issues can add time too. If you have tight spaces along property lines, lots of landscaping in the way, or patios that need removal first, we’ll need extra time to work around or through these obstacles.

What’s the Typical Timeline Look Like?

Here’s a general breakdown of how foundation repairs usually progress:

• Day 1: Arrival and Prep We show up, go through the job details with you, and prepare the site. This might include marking utilitylines, moving shrubs or small concrete areas, or setting up safety barriers.
• Days 2-3: Excavation and Setup This is when we dig where needed—sometimes by hand, sometimes with equipment. For slabhomes, we expose the footing. For pier and beam structures, we get underneath and brace whatever needs support.
• Days 3-5: Installing Piers and Starting the Lift We install the piers (either concrete or steel) one at a time. Once they’re properlyset, we begin the careful process of lifting your structure—slowly and evenly.
• Days 5-6: Final Lifting, Adjustments, and Backfilling We complete the lifting process and secure everything in its proper place. Then we backfill any trenches, compact the soil, and regrade areas as needed.
• Days 6-7: Cleanup and Final Walkthrough We walk you through everything we’ve done, show you before-and-after measurements, and answer all your questions. Then we clean up completely and haul away any debris.

When Should You Call the Pros?

The best time to address foundation issues is before they turn into structural disasters. Don’t wait until your floors are buckling or those small cracks have turned into gaping holes.

It’s time to call if you notice:

• Cracks that are forming or spreading in walls or ceilings
• Windows or doors that suddenly won’t close properly
• Floors that slope noticeably or bounce when you walk on them
• Gaps appearing between walls and floors or ceilings
• Water collecting near your foundation
• Previous repairs that appear to be failing

If you’re not sure, I’m happy to come take a look. No pressure, no exaggeration—just honest assessment and a clear plan forward.

Our Step-by-Step Repair Process

Once we’re on the job, here’s exactly what we do:

• First, we thoroughly inspect and diagnose the problem. We walk through your home inside and out, checking for movement signs, measuring floor elevations, and examining soil conditions and drainage.
• Then we create a custom plan specifically for your home. We’ll show you exactly what needs to be done, give you a realistic timeline, and provide clear pricing—all before we start any work.
• Next, we install the necessary piers or supports. We dig, place piers, and prepare your structure for lifting, using only quality materials and proven systems.
• Using hydraulic equipment, we carefully lift your foundation back into proper position. We do this gradually, checking our progress constantly to ensure everything moves as it should.
• After everything is level, we backfill trenches, smooth out the ground, and patch any small areas if needed.
• Finally, we do a complete walkthrough with you, showing measurements and answering any remaining questions.

Common Questions About Foundation Repairs

How long does the average foundation repair job take?

Most foundation repairs take between 3 and 7 days to complete. Larger projects might take longer, especially if weather or access issues slow us down.

Will I need to leave my house during the repair process?

You typically won’t need to leave your home during repairs. In most cases, you can stay right where you are. If we’re working under your floor or doing significant lifting, we’ll let you know ahead of time if anything changes.

Can I still use my plumbing while repairs are happening?

Yes, you can usually use your plumbing during repairs. We’ll absolutely let you know if we need to temporarily disconnect anything.

Will you fix the cracks in my walls after lifting the foundation?

We focus primarily on fixing the foundation itself. Once your home settles into its new position, you might need some cosmetic repairs—I’d be happy to recommend someone reliable for that work.

How soon can you start on my foundation repair?

After inspection and approval, we can usually schedule your repair within a week or two, depending on the scope of work and crew availability.

Remember, foundation problems don’t fix themselves, and waiting only makes things worse. The longer you wait, the more your house shifts, the more cracks expand, and the more complicated and expensive repairs become.