Why You Should Always Get a Second Opinion on Foundation Repair
Introduction
The $14,000 That Didn't Need to Be Spent
WHAT A LEBANON INSPECTION TAUGHT ME ABOUT SECOND OPINIONS
This morning, I drove to Lebanon, Tennessee to look at a crawl space.
The homeowner had already gotten three quotes.
All three companies told him the same thing: he needed foundation repair.
The price tag? Somewhere between 12 and 14 thousand dollars.
Here's the thing - after 12 years in this business, I know foundation work.
I sold it for years when I worked at the big corporate companies.
So when I got the call asking for a fourth opinion, I knew exactly what to look for.
What I found might surprise you.
The foundation repair? Not necessary. At all.
With clear video evidence and detailed photos, I could show this homeowner exactly why.
We can fix what's actually wrong with his crawl space for a fraction of that cost.
This is why second opinions matter. And why I'm writing this post.
What Happened in Lebanon
The homeowner reached out after getting those three quotes. All three companies had recommended foundation repair work. When multiple companies say the same thing, most people assume it must be true. That makes sense - why would three different professionals all be wrong?
But here's what most homeowners don't know: a lot of companies in this industry work on commission. Their sales guys get paid based on what they sell. The bigger the job, the bigger the check. I know because I used to be one of those guys.
So I went out to Lebanon with my camera and spent real time in that crawl space. Twelve minutes of video footage, plenty of photos, checking every area those other companies had flagged. I looked at everything they said needed foundation work.
The evidence told a different story than those quotes did.
My Inspection Process
When I inspect a crawl space, I'm not looking to sell you the biggest job possible. I'm looking for what's actually wrong. That's why I spend the time to document everything with 4K video and detailed photos.
In this Lebanon crawl space, I took 12 minutes of video footage. That might sound like a lot, but when someone's facing a potential $14,000 bill, they deserve a thorough look. I went through the entire space, checking the areas those other companies had flagged for foundation issues.
I looked at floor joists, checked for settling, examined the foundation walls, documented moisture issues. Everything those other quotes mentioned, I recorded on video so the homeowner could see exactly what I was seeing. No guessing, no taking my word for it - just clear evidence of what's actually happening under his house.
Why This Happens in Our Industry
Look, I'm not going to trash other companies. But I will tell you how this industry works because you deserve to know.
Many crawl space companies use commission-based salespeople. I know because I was one for years at the big corporate companies. When your paycheck depends on the size of the job you sell, there's pressure to upsell. Not everyone gives in to that pressure, but it's there.
Quick inspections also play a role. When you're rushing through multiple appointments a day, it's easier to recommend the big fix than to spend time figuring out the actual problem. Foundation repair is a catch-all solution that sounds serious and justifies a high price tag.
That's not how we work. I don't make commission. I make money when I build trust and do good work that leads to referrals. Telling this Lebanon homeowner he didn't need $14,000 of work? That's how you build a reputation worth having.
The Value of Video Evidence
Those 12 minutes of video footage weren't just for me - they were for the homeowner. When you can see exactly what's happening in your crawl space, you can make informed decisions about your home.
Clear documentation protects you from unnecessary work. When I can show you on video why foundation repair isn't needed, you're not just taking my word against three other companies. You're seeing the evidence yourself.
This is why we document everything. Photos, videos, detailed explanations of what we're looking at. It's not just about transparency - it's about giving you the information you need to make the right choice for your home and your budget.
When You Should Get a Second Opinion
If you're facing a big repair bill, especially for foundation work, get another set of eyes on it. Here are some signs you definitely need a second opinion:
The quote is over $10,000 and you're being pressured to decide quickly. Real problems don't disappear if you take time to think. High-pressure tactics are a red flag.
You're not getting clear documentation of the problem. If a company can't show you detailed photos or video of what's wrong, ask yourself why.
Multiple solutions are being bundled together without clear explanation of what each one fixes. You deserve to know exactly what you're paying for.
Your gut tells you something's off. Trust that feeling. A second opinion costs way less than unnecessary work.
How to Evaluate Quotes
When you're comparing quotes, don't just look at the bottom line. Ask questions: How long have you been doing this specific type of work? Can you show me photo or video evidence of the problem? What happens if I only fix part of what you're recommending?
Make sure you're getting clear documentation. Any legitimate company should be able to provide detailed photos and explanations of what they found.
Compare the actual scope of work, not just prices. A lower price doesn't mean much if it's for work you don't need. A higher price might be worth it if the company is more thorough.
Our Commitment to Honest Assessment
We built our reputation on telling people the truth, even when it costs us a sale. That Lebanon homeowner could have been a $14,000 job if I'd just gone along with what the other companies said. Instead, it's a much smaller project.
But here's what we gained: trust. That homeowner will tell his neighbors, his family, his coworkers about what happened. That's worth more than any single sale.
This is how we've become Middle Tennessee's highest-rated non-corporate crawl space company. Not by selling the biggest jobs, but by being honest about what actually needs fixing.
Ready for a Second Opinion?
If you've gotten a quote that doesn't feel right, or if you're facing a major repair recommendation, let's take a look. I'll document everything with clear video and photos, and I'll tell you exactly what I see - even if that means telling you the work isn't necessary.
Second opinions are about peace of mind. Whether that means confirming work needs to be done or saving you thousands on unnecessary repairs, you deserve to know the truth about your crawl space.
Give us a call for a thorough inspection with complete documentation. No pressure, no sales games, just honest assessment of what's happening under your home.
