Those companies are in business to make money. No one should expect them to donate their services. But pushing unnecessary services is dishonest.
And the quoted prices seem very high to me. But I have not purchased such services.

Since when is a two-inch displacement, more or less, in a block wall, "normal" in a 60-year old house? Not in my builder's book anyway. (But then I'm not in N.C.)

If your "unbiased" engineer's opinion is only verbal, don't try taking that to Court.

This post was edited by worthy on Fri, Jun 6, 14 at 9:36

hi worthy,

its a certified assessment - in writing/stamped, not verbal. i wouldn't pay $275 for someone's word. he measured the worst "bow" at less than 2" its all in writing.

however, how do i know which foundation repair guy is right - if either? two diff methods to "straighten" a wall - each claims the other guy is wrong and they're right. how am i supposed to know who is right? that's my question. do you do wall/foundation repair? i'd like your opinion on how to tell who is right - any red flags i should look out for? i also questioned their assessment of a "failed wall" without measuring. one guy did eventually but somehow came up with over 2". i don't doubt they can "fix" my walls but i want them to insure they don't bow anymore. i don't care if they are straightened. the floors above are level. no leaks through the wall. i don't ever intend to finish the basement.

thanks for your insight

wanted to clarify: i reviewed the engineers report and he wrote "no more than 1 inch out of plumb" when describing the condition of the walls. i used the word "displacement" i don't know if that was the appropriate term.

Just as surgeons choose different approaches and methods to repairs, there's no "right" way to straighten/reinforce foundation walls. (Though I'd sure be sceptical of anyone who claimed to find out-of-plumb double your engineer's measurement.) I'd follow your expert's advice and take immediate action to divertthe rain water far away from the foundation. Not just splashpads, but solid pipes to spread the water around your property. I build new--after too many years of messing around with other people's mistakes--and always do these diversions.

This post was edited by worthy on Sat, Jun 7, 14 at 10:29

thanks worthy, we had a guy with a skid come in and regrade and he also buried pipes to divert rainwater, they port to the meadow that is part of our property behind the house. wish it would rain so we could see the changes in action.

i understand your frustrations dealing with somebody else's mistakes. we bought this from the bank. the previous owner had inherited it and did nothing for 20 years. he then took out an equity loan during the bubble and well, you can figure out the rest. we got a great deal and knew we would be investing $$$ - just want to make sure we were spending the appropriate amount on each fix. i want a clean but unfinished basement to store tools, have a laundry space and put a ping pong table. i don't feel confident finishing a basement in an older house. i like being able to see the walls, the floors and up into the joists in order to nip any troubles in the bud.