When a salesperson talks more than they inspect, your foundation may not be the only thing sinking.
It started with a slope in the hallway.
It’s not a significant concern—it’s just one of those things you get used to over time in a 1968 split-level home. Years ago, I brought in a contractor who gave me a thorough estimate, complete with a level survey and a scope that included stabilizing beams. At the time, it felt like overkill. And I was right—after addressing the sagging interior with a few targeted supports, the back wall settled—no need for the piers they recommended. This experience taught me the value of patience in dealing with home maintenance issues.
Then came The Incident—a broken water pipe from a fence installation. I wasn’t sure if it caused foundation damage, but it brought back the ghosts of those uneven floors and lingering doubts.
So I called in Groundworks. A big name. Flashy trucks. Impressive website. Promises of thorough foundation inspections and permanent solutions.
That’s when I met “Earl”.
The 3-Hour Tour That Missed the Plot.
Earl arrived and immediately launched into his pitch. He talked. A lot. About my kids. About his past clients. About how everyone loves him. About the pier system. About slab vs. footing vs. structural concerns. About load-bearing strata. About… himself.
And while he spoke, he occasionally waved at corners of my house or gestured toward cracks like a magician revealing invisible rabbits. But actual inspection? Measurements? Probing deeper into the history or recent repair work? Minimal.
Still, I played along. I gave him everything—2018 benchmark reports and updates on interior supports. He spent three hours there, so I assumed I’d get a comprehensive, data-informed proposal.
Instead, I Got a Formula
“We always install one pier in each corner and every 5 feet.”
Wait, what?
Are you telling me you came here, reviewed historical improvements, saw areas that have clearly improved, and still want to pier the entire side like it’s 2018?
And here’s the kicker—the price? Nearly $49,000. This is significant, especially considering that it was for a solution that may not have been necessary or tailored to my home’s specific needs.
There was no real breakdown or explanation of where the piers were going or why they were needed. Just a “trust us, we’ve done this before” energy and a bill big enough to qualify for a small business loan.
When I Pushed Back, It Got Weirder
I asked for justification. Specifics. Alternatives.
Earl replied with a defensive email full of vague language and pressure tactics. “I can remove two piers if you want, but cutting corners isn’t how we do things.”
Cutting corners? Sir, I’m not looking for a discount. I’m seeking a legitimate plan that matches my home’s condition.
Then I get another email CC’ing a “manager” named Rob—who, after a bit of research, I discovered had only been in the company 5 months and whose leading credential was being a certified foundation inspector (a title that sounds impressive until you learn it’s a brief internal certification anyone at GroundWorks can earn).
No Engineering Review. No Custom Plan. Just Pressure.
The kicker? Despite the cost, FoundationWorks wouldn’t even have its engineering team review the proposal until after I signed the contract.
Read that again.
They wanted me to commit to nearly $50,000 of work before anyone with structural credentials even looked at the job.
What I Learned
✅ Big brands don’t always mean better inspections. Sometimes it means more pressure to upsell.
✅ Ask for documentation. Don’t rely on charm. Ask where the piers are going. Ask why. Remember, as a homeowner, you can ask questions and seek explanations. This will empower you and ensure that you are in control of the situation.
✅ Don’t let fear force a $50K mistake. Salespeople are trained to play on your worry about resale value, water flow, and even your kids’ safety.
✅ Check their credentials. A certified foundation inspector may not be a structural engineer.
✅ Get multiple bids. I have others coming. And you bet this time, I’m asking more thoughtful questions. Seeking multiple bids will give you various options and make you feel more confident and secure in your decision-making process.
Because your home deserves more than a sales pitch, it deserves a solution.
What I wish I knew before
Not all cracks are created equal, and I wish I’d known which ones should really send me running for the expert. Here is what I wish I knew about them
Also, there is a wealth of information out there, and plenty of tools I could have leveraged before letting myself become so vulnerable to these sales tactics. Ultimately, arming yourself with knowledge and third-party verification can drastically reduce the risk of falling prey to high-pressure sales pitches or unnecessary work. Check this out.
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