Most people refer to foundation repairs as "piers", even though they are typically piles, not piers. The term "pier-less" signifies our mission to educate the public on maintaining homes without the need for invasive foundation repairs, aiming for healthier, "pier-less" homes. We truly want to reduce the need for foundation underpinning because the bad outweighs the good in the long term.

Yes, we offer a one-time free professional foundation inspection for most homeowners of occupied, free-standing, 1-2 story residential slab homes in Fort Bend County. This offer does not apply to condos, townhomes, or properties beyond our scope. Our inspections are provided as a courtesy and may not always be available.

No, Houston doesn’t have bad foundations—it has expansive clay soils, extreme weather, and invasive oak trees that cause foundation movement and damage. However, Houston is plagued with foundation repair companies that takes advantage of our environmental situation to sell unwarranted foundation repairs that compounds our foundation problems.

In the Houston area, especially on the southwest side near Fort Bend County, the potential vertical rise (PVR) of our soil can be up to 6 inches annually, meaning it also settles the same amount, which significantly impacts foundation stability.

The primary cause of foundation damage is often the trees planted near homes, especially during dry summer months when trees draw water from the foundation area, causing the soil to contract and the foundation to settle.

Concrete always cracks—it’s inevitable. However, cracks indicate where the foundation is settling. Sealing them has little structural benefit, but stabilizing the soil beneath the foundation can prevent further movement.

There is no industry standard on tolerances, although some foundation engineers and repair companies generally use a 1% tilt and L/360 deflection tolerance when evaluating foundation movement. This means a foundation can tilt up to 1 inch per every 100 inches of length and deflect 1 inch over a 360-inch span (30 feet).

The term "stabilize" is often used by large corporate foundation repair companies to sell repairs. At Pier-less, we focus on promoting even movement throughout the entire foundation, which is a more holistic approach than merely underpinning parts of it.

Yes, but only as a last resort. We prioritize educating clients on the implications and risks of underpinning, similar to how a doctor discusses surgical risks.

The best kind of foundation repair addresses the cause of the issue, such as improving soil moisture levels to prevent foundation movement, rather than just the symptoms.

Costs can range from as low as $8,000 to as high as $50,000, depending on the degree of damage and the company's approach to underpinning.

Most warranties are gimmicks. The repaired sections become stable, but unrepaired areas continue moving, leading to more damage. Warranties ensure you call the same company back for additional, potentially costly repairs.

Lifting a home can cause damage to plumbing and other underground utilities. It is crucial to consider these risks before deciding to level a home.

Yes, root barriers can significantly reduce the need for foundation repair by preventing tree roots from drying out the soil beneath the foundation.

Yes, maintaining consistent soil moisture around the foundation can prevent uneven settling and reduce the need for repairs.

Homes without gutters are at higher risk of soil erosion around their foundation, which can weaken load-bearing soil and lead to structural issues. Modern roof designs often slope toward the rear, forcing rainwater to travel from the backyard to the road—a process that can worsen erosion over time. Additionally, trees in front yards of newer homes can tilt forward without homeowners realizing it, especially when soil conditions are unstable. Installing gutters around the entire home helps control water flow, protecting both the foundation and landscaping by directing runoff safely to the front of the property.

Big corporate foundation repair companies are aggressively pushing foundation monitoring systems—but for residential homes, they’re simply not worth it. These systems may have some value for commercial buildings and superstructures, but for homeowners, they often serve as a marketing tool to sell more repairs. Here’s how it works: Our soil naturally fluctuates up to 6 inches annually. During dry, hot summers, your home will settle, triggering the monitoring system. You’ll panic, call the foundation repair company, and they’ll tell you that you need stabilization—leading to costly, often unnecessary repairs. Instead, you can save thousands by taking proactive steps like installing root barriers. Homeowners should aim to reduce their reliance on foundation repair companies, not increase it.

We’re the only foundation company that offers foundation repair removal services. One major downside of perimeter foundation repairs is that they often cause the interior foundation to settle over time. When this happens, homeowners face the costly prospect of full underpinning, which requires either puncturing the slab or tunneling below. This process isn't just expensive—it compromises the slab’s structural integrity. Interior piers or piles are rarely installed as effectively as perimeter supports. In many cases, the best way to protect your investment is to restore the foundation to its original state, allowing it to sit on natural soil as intended.

Interior settlement often occurs as a result of perimeter foundation repair and can lead to significant structural damage. It is one of the most costly types of foundation damage to repair.