When a foundation repair salesperson shows up at your door, they often bring more than just measurements — they bring a script. These rehearsed lines are designed to pressure you into signing quickly, paying more, and skipping steps that protect your home and wallet.
The good news? Once you know the red flags, you can push back with confidence. In this article, we’ll break down common tactics and give you ready-to-use scripts to stop the pressure in its tracks.
Red Flag 1: “You need to sign today for a discount.”
High-pressure timelines are a classic sales tactic. Urgency benefits the seller, not you.
How to push back:
“I don’t make five-figure decisions in one day. Please leave the written proposal so I can compare it with other bids.”
👉 Tip: A serious contractor will never withdraw a quote just because you want time to think.
Red Flag 2: “We’ll figure out the pier locations on install day.”
If the plan isn’t drawn out and stamped by an engineer, you’re flying blind.
How to push back:
“I need a scaled drawing showing each pier location and depth, with an engineer’s stamp. I’ll review once that’s provided.”
👉 Tip: Never agree to foundation work without a plan on paper.
Red Flag 3: “Our warranty covers everything, forever.”
Warranties sound amazing — until you read the fine print. Many exclude soil movement, drainage issues, or require expensive annual service.
How to push back:
“Please give me the full warranty in writing, including what voids it. I’ll compare it against other companies’ terms.”
👉 Tip: No warranty is truly “forever.” Always read the exclusions.
Red Flag 4: “You don’t need an engineer; we’ve been doing this for years.”
Experience matters, but it’s not a substitute for licensed design. If they discourage an engineer, that’s a warning sign.
How to push back:
“I appreciate your experience. I’ll be hiring a structural engineer to review and confirm the plan before I decide.”
👉 Tip: A pro who values quality won’t object to outside verification.
Red Flag 5: “We found extra damage — it’ll cost more.”
Sometimes surprises happen. But vague “add-ons” discovered late are often padding.
How to push back:
“Please explain in writing what changed, why it wasn’t on the original bid, and provide photos. I’ll get another opinion before approving.”
👉 Tip: Clear documentation protects you from scope creep.
Recommended Read
- The Best Books (and Tools) to Understand Your Home’s Foundation
- Track Cracks Like a Pro and Save Money
Final Words
Foundation repairs are serious, but that doesn’t mean you have to be steamrolled into a contract. With a few scripts, the right tools, and a willingness to pause before signing, you can turn high-pressure sales into a conversation on your terms.
