Finding a crack in your foundation can be stressful. You may be asking yourself:

Who should I call?
Do I need a foundation repair company?
Should I call a waterproofing company?
Do I need a structural engineer?

The answer depends on what caused the crack. In many cases, the best place to start is with a foundation repair specialist. They can inspect the crack, explain what's causing it, and recommend the right solution. In this guide, we'll explain who to call and what you can expect during the inspection.

Start with a Foundation Repair Specialist

If you've found a crack in your foundation, a foundation repair specialist is usually the best person to contact. These professionals deal with problems such as:

Foundation cracks
Foundation settlement
Structural movement
Basement wall cracks
Water leaking through foundation cracks
Bowing basement walls
Foundation stabilization

Because foundation repair is their specialty, they can usually identify the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair.

What Happens During a Foundation Inspection?

A professional inspection is usually the first step. During the visit, the contractor may:

Examine the crack closely.
Measure the size of the crack.
Check whether the crack is growing.
Look for water leaks.
Inspect the basement walls.
Check the outside of your home.
Look at drainage around the foundation.
Check for other signs of foundation movement.

After the inspection, they should explain their findings in simple language and recommend the best repair if one is needed.

Should I Call a Basement Waterproofing Company?

Sometimes. If the crack is allowing water into your basement, a waterproofing company may also be able to help. Many companies specialize in both:

Foundation crack repair
Basement waterproofing

This can be convenient because they can repair the crack and recommend ways to keep water away from your foundation.

Should I Call a Structural Engineer?

In some situations, yes. If a foundation repair contractor believes there may be significant structural movement, they may recommend having a structural engineer inspect the home. An engineer can evaluate the foundation and determine whether structural repairs are needed. Fortunately, most small foundation cracks do not require an engineer.

Should I Call a General Contractor?

Usually not. General contractors are skilled at many types of home renovations, but foundation crack repair is a specialized service. For foundation problems, it's generally better to contact a company that works with foundations every day.

Should I Get More Than One Estimate?

Yes. Getting two or three estimates is a smart idea. It allows you to:

Compare repair options.
Compare prices.
Ask questions.
Feel more confident before making a decision.

Don't choose a contractor based only on price. Experience, quality workmanship, and customer service are just as important.

How Do I Choose the Right Foundation Repair Company?

Here are a few things to look for.

Experience

Choose a company that has experience repairing foundation cracks. A contractor who regularly works on foundations is more likely to identify the real cause of the problem.

Good Reviews

Take a few minutes to read online reviews. Look for comments about:

Quality workmanship
Honest recommendations
Professional service
Good communication
Customer satisfaction

Positive reviews from local homeowners can help you make a more informed decision.

Clear Explanations

A trustworthy contractor should explain:

What caused the crack.
Whether repairs are necessary.
Which repair method is recommended.
What the repair will involve.

You should never feel pressured into making a quick decision.

Written Estimate

Always ask for a written estimate. It should clearly describe:

The recommended repairs.
Estimated costs.
The expected timeline.
Warranty information, if available.

A written estimate makes it easier to compare contractors.

Warranty

Many reputable foundation repair companies offer warranties on their work. Before hiring a contractor, ask:

What does the warranty cover?
How long does it last?
Is it transferable if you sell your home?

Understanding the warranty can give you extra confidence in your investment.

Warning Signs of an Untrustworthy Contractor

Most contractors are honest professionals, but it's still important to be careful. Be cautious if someone:

Pressures you to sign immediately.
Won't explain the repairs.
Doesn't provide a written estimate.
Recommends expensive repairs without a careful inspection.
Demands full payment before work begins.

A good contractor should educate you, not pressure you.

When Should You Call Right Away?

You should schedule an inspection if you notice:

A crack getting larger.
Water leaking through a crack.
Horizontal cracks.
Several new cracks.
Bowing basement walls.
Uneven floors.
Doors or windows suddenly sticking.

Finding the problem early often makes repairs simpler and less expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should I call first for a foundation crack?

In most cases, a foundation repair specialist is the best place to start. They can inspect the crack and recommend the right solution.

Can a waterproofing company repair foundation cracks?

Many waterproofing companies also repair foundation cracks, especially if the crack is allowing water into the basement.

Should I get more than one estimate?

Yes. Comparing estimates helps you understand your options and choose a contractor you trust.

Is every foundation crack an emergency?

No. Many small cracks are harmless. However, cracks that grow, leak water, or are accompanied by other warning signs should be inspected.

Learn More About Foundation Cracks

Knowing who to call is only one part of protecting your home. If you'd like to learn what causes foundation cracks, the different types of cracks, warning signs to watch for, repair methods, repair costs, and how to protect your foundation, read our Complete Homeowner's Guide to Foundation Cracks. It's an easy-to-understand guide created to help homeowners make informed decisions and protect one of the most important parts of their home.

Final Thoughts

Finding a foundation crack doesn't mean you need to panic. Many cracks can be repaired successfully, especially when they're found early. The most important step is having the crack inspected by an experienced foundation repair professional who can identify the cause and recommend the right solution. By choosing a trusted contractor, asking questions, and comparing estimates, you can protect your home, prevent future problems, and enjoy greater peace of mind.