How scheduling an inspection works

Four steps

1. Call or request an inspection.
2. A local foundation or crawl space contractor confirms a time.
3. They inspect, measure and explain what they find.
4. You get a written repair plan and price before any work starts.

Who does the work

Work is done by independent local contractors. Pricing and availability are set by the contractor serving your area. The contractor decides whether they can take the job, when they can come out, and what the work costs.

Questions worth asking before you sign

• What exactly is in the price: how many piers, supports or jacks, where each goes, any framing or joist repair, drainage, and moisture work?
• Which repair method is proposed and why, and what did the contractor measure or find that points to that fix?
• Is the permit in the price? Structural repair needs one; the contractor normally pulls it, so ask for the number.
• Is the job large enough to need a state general contractor license, and if so, what is the license number?
• What does the warranty cover, for how long, whether it transfers to a buyer, and whether there is a yearly fee to keep it valid?
• Does the plan include a re-measurement after the work, and a written statement of what the repair will and won't stop?
• Get the full price, payment schedule and start date in writing before you sign, and compare at least two plans.

The guides explain costs, permits and insurance for Charlotte and Mecklenburg County in more detail, with sources.

Your information

Your name, phone number and request go to the contractor serving your area, and to the services that run our phone line and form. The privacy policy has the details.