I'm so glad I persevered and found this company. Stable Foundation Solutions is based in Lake City but does work throughout the state. In fact, South Florida is their most frequent destination. The company is a bit of a hidden gem right now due to admittedly being slow to update the website and gain footing on the review sites.
Stable Foundation was logical and analytical throughout, focusing on my needs, not what they could sell via scare tactics and worst case scenarios. Foundation diagnosis and estimates are all over the map. Basic reason: You can't see what is going on underneath. That bedroom sink hole several years ago accelerated public fear. I sampled 6 companies. Estimates ranged from $3600 to above $24,000. Stable Foundation wasn't lowest but among the lowest and easily the best value in terms of sensibly addressing areas of greatest need, while leaving scare tactics alone. In contrast, I had one high profile company whose salesman launched convulsions every time he turned the corner: "That's a stepladder crack...the worst sign of all." I think he expected me to fall down in a seizure of terror.
As a handicapper I love litmus tests. There was a basic one with my project. The back addition to the house was clearly slipping, but just as obviously the two corners were not under identical stress. Back was the long term problem, not the sides. Yet one company after another was robotically assigning two piers on each side, and only one in each back corner. I didn't say anything. I waited for someone to pass the litmus test. It was mindful of my 24 years in the Las Vegas betting scene. Finally Steven from Stable Foundation matter of factly identified the logical remedy and placement: Two push piers at each back, and only one on the less troubled side. Steven also was the only one who placed back push piers on either side of a double door that was sticking and very difficult to lock. Again, I intentionally didn't mention that it was sticking. I wanted someone to identify the likelihood, based on the cracked visuals. Only Steven did.
I really appreciated that the 3-man project crew was knowledgable and offered input, as opposed to merely showing up to complete the job. Randall was crew leader. He quickly investigated why I had cracks and sinking in so many areas. I had assigned it to a deep crack in the pool, causing erosion underneath. Randall didn't think so. He saw the spot drain but couldn't find anywhere it emptied. That is my only pool drain. Randall removed the drain grate and discovered that I've essentially had a dummy drain for 40+ years, dumping water under the foundation of the house, smack near the middle. There was 3 inches of pipe underneath the grate, but not connected to anything. Just resting there. From lack of disturbance it was obvious the pipe had never been connected. I remember my dad didn't trust that contractor from the outset. It was mid '70s and one problem and delay after another. The contractor for that addition became a curse word within the family. My dad passed away several years ago. I doubt he would be surprised at the latest discovery.
Miss Debbie was friendly and positive while handling payment. Only 30% was required prior to completion...lower than other companies. Travis as Project Manager provided a specific schedule 2 weeks in advance. They met the schedule.
One caution: Don't paint exterior walls prior to push pier installation. The Model 300 mechanism does tend to vibrate and can bump against walls, requiring modest patching. read more