Cracks in walls uneven unlevel floors

Cracks in Your Walls? Doors not closing? Uneven floors? Don’t Panic—Get the Right Diagnosis First

Structural Foundation SUMMARY

Noticing cracks in your walls? Doors not closing properly? Visible distortions in your door frames or uneven floors? These signs can be alarming—but don't jump to conclusions.

The issue may be related to your foundation, framing, or even pests—but not always. Misdiagnosing the cause can lead to expensive, unnecessary repairs. That's why it's critical to have an experienced structural engineer assess your property before any work is done.

We recently had a homeowner call us after spending thousands on a foundation reinforcement system installed by a sales-driven contractor. The result? The problem wasn't solved—because it was never properly identified in the first place.

Foundation repair contractors aren't structural engineers. We provide unbiased, expert diagnostics with no hidden agenda—we don't sell repair systems, we provide the right answers.

Avoid costly mistakes. Schedule a visit with a licensed structural engineer today and get a professional diagnosis before committing to expensive fixes that may not be necessary.

You’re walking through your home and notice something off: a hairline crack snaking up the drywall, a door that sticks no matter how many times you plane it, or a floor that slopes just enough to send your kid’s toy car veering into the baseboard. These quirks can stop you in your tracks. Your mind races to the worst-case scenario—foundation failure—and suddenly you’re picturing dollar signs and construction crews.

Take a breath. Not every crack spells disaster, and not every uneven floor means your house is sinking. The problem could stem from your foundation, yes—but it might also be framing settling, moisture changes, pest damage, or even something as benign as temperature fluctuations. Jumping to conclusions (or letting a salesperson do it for you) can lead to thousands wasted on repairs that don’t address the real issue.

Why Misdiagnosis Is So Common—and So Expensive

Foundation repair companies are in the business of selling solutions. Many operate on a “see a crack, sell a pier” model. Their technicians might be skilled installers, but they’re rarely structural engineers. Without an independent, engineering-level analysis, you’re trusting a biased party to both diagnose and prescribe the fix.

Case in point: A client recently called us in tears. She’d spent $18,000 on helical piers and jacking after a foundation company insisted her home was “settling dangerously.” Six months later, the cracks were back—and spreading.

Our inspection? The “settlement” was actually occurring, however the real problem was never addressed! The contractor only provided some support for the framing which was not necessary and a waste of money. The home owner had to repair the entire framing and remove the unnecessary steel beam repairs, which were in the way! 

Total fix: additional $14,800 in proper framing repairs, bracing and sistering. The piers? Completely unnecessary. Additionally the jacking of the beams caused additional damage as structural cracks in the foundation wall.

Stories like this aren’t rare. Based on our experience so far, about 50% of foundation repairs that we inspect are either overkill or misapplied due to incorrect diagnosis.

Red Flags: When to Suspect a Structural Issue

Not sure if your home’s quirks are cosmetic or critical? Ask an engineering expert. 

• Hairline cracks in drywall 

• Sticking doors/windows

• Uneven floors

• Gaps around trim

• Bowing walls

Pro tip: Take photos and measurements. Mark cracks with a pencil and date. If they grow or new ones appear within a month, escalate.

The Structural Engineer Advantage: Unbiased Expertise

Here’s what sets a licensed structural engineer apart from a foundation contractor:

Structural Engineer     Foundation Contractor

Licensure PE (Professional Engineer) stamp required, Often none

Incentive Paid for diagnosis only, Paid only if you buy repairs

Scope Analyzes entire load path, Focuses on foundation

Tools "Laser levels, manometers, bore scopes, CAD Zip Level", "Zip levels, “crack monitors”"

Recommendations Repair or monitor or do nothing, Almost always “repair now” 

We don’t sell piers, polyurethane injections, or drainage systems. We sell clarity. Our report tells you:

• What’s actually wrong (or if nothing is)

• Why it’s happening

• What to do next (including low-cost alternatives)

• What to watch for future changes

Your Next Steps (Before You Sign Any Contract)

Document everything. Photos, measurements, dates.

Schedule an independent structural inspection. Expect to pay $750–$1,400 depending on home size and number of levels. Cheaper than one unnecessary pier.

Get the engineer’s report in writing. It’s your shield against high-pressure sales.

Compare bids—but only after you know the real problem.

Don’t Let Fear Drive Your Wallet

Your home is your biggest investment. Protect it with facts, not fear. A single visit from a licensed structural engineer can save you tens of thousands and years of worry.

Ready for answers? Schedule your inspection today — no sales pitch, no upselling, just engineering truth.

Serving Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina with unbiased structural diagnostics since 2018. 

Licensed Professional Engineer: AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, MN, OK, SC, NC, NM, TX