Signs of Raised Foundation IssuesA concern for homeowners in San Diego and Orange County, especially in older homes.
Raised foundation issues, also known as crawl space or post-and-beam foundation problems, are a common concern for homeowners in San Diego and Orange County, especially in older homes. Left unaddressed, even minor foundation damage can lead to serious structural issues and costly repairs. The good news is that most raised foundation problems show clear early warning signs, and it only takes a few minutes to check your home.
Below are 7 of the most common signs of raised foundation problems to look for.
- Plaster cracks in walls (Especially over doorways, windows, or where walls meet ceilings).
- Bulging stucco or plaster.
- Doors and windows that start to stick or won’t open/close properly.
- Sagging, uneven floors, or ceiling cracks.
- Crumbling, cracking, or otherwise deteriorating stem wall.
- Gaps between the chimney and the house.
- Spongy or squishy floors.

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GOOGLE REVIEWSHOME FOUNDATION REPAIRS IN SAN DIEGO & ORANGE COUNTY CASEE MORE REVIEWS
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Steve AndrewsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Steve and his team are a very knowledgable company to work with.Posted on Google![]()
Aaron MitichTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Steve and his team were absolutely amazing! Transparent, honest, and just really good people. I recommend this crew to anyone looking for foundation work!Posted on Google![]()
PJ BriggsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very helpful foundation work came in far under a competing work for both repairs and including entirely new girders and footings. Overall a very professional team we'd be happy to work with again.Posted on Google![]()
Tyler DabovichTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Second time working with Jim and Steve! Super smooth and easy process and great work!Posted on Google![]()
Tony DrayTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Steve and his team are always responsive and extremely helpful in every situation. They're fair and move very quickly. They're also a great resource to have, especially as a real estate agent working with investor clients. I highly recommend Raised Foundation Repair for any and all of your raised foundation needs.Posted on Google![]()
Monique PowellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Steve and the representative who came to review the home were great. First of all, other companies are charging ridiculous amounts to just come and inspect the home. Raised Foundation Repair came to inspect the home for FREE! You cant get better than that, AND they also provided a quote for the job. I will for sure be using them when we correct our foundation issue.Posted on Google![]()
Dave BlickenstaffTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Steve and the Crew at Raised Foundation Repair -San Diego were excellent. They were up front, honest, efficient. After 2 other companies conflicting inspections I went with this company and I saved myself a whole lot of money and time. Would recommend to anyone who needs it.Posted on Google![]()
Lea UrgubyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have a 1906 craftsman home that needed some serious TLC on the foundation. The team from Raised Foundation Repair were patient, kind, and explained the various options they were proposing in a clear and understandable way. The work was able to be completed quickly and they provided photos along the way of the progress and the finished results.Posted on Google![]()
NNTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The best foundation in town. Super honest, passionate and will not try to take advantage of your situation. You will not regret giving them a call. They were promt, reliable and completed the work with warranty. Couldnt ask for a better foundation company to work with.Posted on Google![]()
mike smithTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Quality work done by a competent, focused and professional crew. I've recommended them to all my raised foundation neighbors as well as people thinking of getting a raised foundation home. I was so impressed i even talked them up to a friend who lives on a boat (that one probably isn't going anywhere, obviously)Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
ANSWERS FIRSTFOUNDATION REPAIRS FAQS
Our crews cover both counties five days a week. If your city is not listed, call us anyway - we are usually close enough to help.
What is a raised foundation?
Usually, homes built before 1960 in San Diego County and Orange County will have raised foundations. A raised foundation (or crawl space) is an above-ground home foundation consisting of concrete piers and wooden components like posts, girders, and joists that can deteriorate over time and become unstable, often requiring professional foundation repair in SD and OC.
Why are there cracks above the doors and windows in my San Diego or Orange County home?
Shifting and expansive soil in San Diego and Orange County can cause lateral movement to your home’s foundation, leading to cracks above doors and windows. This is a common sign of foundation problems. If you notice cracks over your windows and doors in your SD or OC home, Call (619) 961-1006 for a free (some restrictions apply) inspection to determine the best repair method for your SD or OC home.
What does it mean if there is bulging stucco on plaster in my home?
Bulging stucco or plaster in homes throughout San Diego and Orange County can indicate excessive water damage, which adds weight to the stem wall and may cause severe foundation damage. If you’ve noticed bulging stucco in your SD or OC property, contact us for a free (some restrictions apply) foundation inspection.
Why are my doors and windows sticking in my San Diego or Orange County home?
Foundation movement is a common cause of sticking doors and windows in homes in San Diego County and Orange County. If your doors or windows are jamming, your foundation may need crawl space foundation repair before the problem worsens.
Call (619) 961-1006 for a free (some restrictions apply) inspection in SD or OC.
Why does my San Diego or Orange County home have sagging, uneven floors?
What causes crumbling and cracking on otherwise deteriorating stem walls?
What causes gaps between my chimney and my house?
In SD and OC homes, gaps between the chimney and the house are often caused by earthquakes, water damage, or shifting soil that moves foundation components over time. If you’ve noticed this issue, call (619) 961-1006 for a free foundation inspection (some restrictions apply) to determine the best repair method for your SD or OC home.
Why does my home have spongy or squishy floors?
I have noticed some of these signs and think that my home’s foundation my need repairs. What repair options are available?
For homes in San Diego and Orange County, repair options include whole-house lift and total foundation rebuild, hydraulic lift and leveling, or partial rebuild and repair-in-place solutions. Call (619) 961-1006 for a free (some restrictions apply) inspection to determine the best foundation repair method for your SD or OC home.
What happens during my free foundation inspection in San Diego or Orange County?
For homes in San Diego and Orange County, repair options include whole-house lift and total foundation rebuild, hydraulic lift and leveling, or partial rebuild and repair-in-place solutions. Call (619) 961-1006 for a free (some restrictions apply) inspection to determine the best foundation repair method for your SD or OC home.
How much does raised foundation repair cost?
It depends entirely on how much of the support system is failing. Replacing a few posts and piers is a modest repair, while re-supporting and leveling an entire floor system is a much larger project. That is why the inspection is free - we look at your actual house and give you an itemized written estimate instead of a phone guess.
How long does a repair take?
Most post and pier replacements are finished in one to three days. Larger leveling projects and full crawl space rebuilds usually run three days to two weeks. Leveling is deliberately done in stages so the house lifts gradually and finishes do not crack. Your estimate includes a realistic schedule.
Is the inspection really free?
Yes. A specialist comes out, goes under the accessible crawl space, documents conditions with photos, takes floor elevation readings and gives you a written estimate at no charge. If we find nothing wrong, we tell you that and there is still no bill.
Do you offer financing?
Financing options are available for larger repairs. Ask about them during your inspection and we will go over the current terms and what your project would look like on a monthly payment.
What causes raised foundations to fail?
Almost always moisture and time. Water under the house rots posts, beams and joists; expansive soil moves piers; termites hollow out wood members; and many older homes were built on undersized brick or mud-set piers that were never meant to last a century. Poor drainage around the perimeter speeds all of it up.
Do you handle permits?
Yes. When a repair requires a permit we pull it and coordinate the inspections with your city or county building department, whether you are in San Diego County or Orange County. You do not have to chase paperwork.
How do I know if I have a raised foundation?
If there are vents or an access door in the perimeter wall near ground level, and the first floor sits a step or more above the yard, you almost certainly have a raised foundation with a crawl space underneath. A slab home sits directly on concrete with no vents. If you are not sure, we will confirm it during the free inspection.
Do you offer a warranty?
Every repair comes with a written workmanship warranty covering the work we performed and the materials we installed. You get it in writing at the final walkthrough, along with photo documentation of the completed repair.

