Frequently Asked Questions

Is this directory free to use?

Yes. Browsing, searching, and contacting any listed contractor is completely free for homeowners. There’s no cost or account required to use the site.

How are contractors added to this directory?

Most listings are compiled from publicly available local business information and organized into our category and town structure. Contractors can also reach out directly to request a new listing or update an existing one.

Do you verify that listed contractors are licensed and insured?

Where a business has reported licensing or insurance information, we display it on their listing, but we don’t independently verify every credential. Always confirm a contractor’s license, insurance, and references directly before hiring — your state or local licensing board is the most reliable source for that verification.

What’s the difference between foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, and sump pump installation?

• Foundation repair addresses structural issues — cracks, settling, or shifting in a home’s foundation itself.
• Basement waterproofing deals with water intrusion into a finished or unfinished basement, usually through interior drainage systems or exterior sealing/grading work.
• Crawl space encapsulation seals a home’s crawl space (typically with a vapor barrier and sometimes dehumidification) to prevent moisture, mold, and pest issues — especially relevant in North Carolina, which has one of the largest concentrations of crawl-space-foundation homes in the country.
• Sump pump installation involves installing (or servicing) a pump system that actively removes water that collects in a basement or crawl space sump pit, often used alongside waterproofing or encapsulation work.

Many contractors offer more than one of these services — check individual listings for the full range of what a business provides.

Does crawl space encapsulation increase home value?

It can — encapsulation addresses moisture, mold, and pest issues that show up on home inspections and can be a red flag for buyers, and some homeowners see it reflected in appraisals or a smoother sale process. It’s best thought of primarily as a protective investment in the home’s structure and air quality, with resale value as a secondary benefit rather than a guaranteed return.

My crawl space has one specific problem (pests, high heating bills, a musty smell). Do I need full encapsulation, or something smaller?

It depends on what’s actually causing it. Sealing entry points and adding insulation can solve a pest problem or a heating-bill problem on their own, without a full encapsulation. Full encapsulation (vapor barrier, sealed vents, sometimes a dehumidifier) makes the most sense when moisture is the underlying cause, since pests, high heating costs, and musty smells are all common side effects of a damp crawl space rather than separate problems. A contractor who explains which of your specific symptoms points to moisture, versus which ones a smaller fix would solve, is giving you a more useful answer than one who quotes the full package by default.

What warranty or guarantee should I expect from a foundation repair or waterproofing contractor?

Reputable contractors typically offer a written warranty on their workmanship, and many manufacturers back specific products (like foundation piers or waterproofing membranes) with their own separate warranty. Ask directly what’s covered, for how long, and whether the warranty transfers to a new owner if you sell your home — and don’t hesitate to ask a contractor whether they’ve ever had a repair fail, and how they handled it.

How often should I test my sump pump, and do I need a backup?

Most manufacturers recommend testing a sump pump every few months by pouring water into the pit and confirming the pump activates and drains it properly, with a fuller inspection at least once a year. A battery or water-powered backup sump pump is worth considering if you rely on your primary pump during storms, since power outages often coincide with the heaviest rain.

I’ve already regraded my yard or improved my drainage, but I still get water in my basement. What’s next?

Grading, French drains, and sump pumps solve three different parts of the same problem, and fixing one doesn’t replace the other two. Grading keeps water from pooling near the house in the first place. French drains and exterior waterproofing stop water at the foundation wall itself, which is a different job from moving water away from the yard. A sump pump handles water that’s already made it inside, pumping it back out. If you’ve improved your grading and still have water intrusion, the water is likely reaching the foundation wall itself, which points toward a French drain or waterproofing conversation rather than more yard work.

Should I get an independent inspection before hiring a foundation repair company?

It’s a reasonable extra step, especially for anything beyond a small, clearly cosmetic crack. An independent structural engineer, one who isn’t also the company selling and installing the fix, can tell you whether you’re actually looking at a foundation issue or a smaller problem (drainage, grading, a settling slab) before you’re quoted a large system of repairs. One thing worth knowing going in: a good number of structural engineers only take on commercial projects and won’t do a single-house residential visit, so it can take a few calls to find one who will. A local home inspector or realtor is often a faster way to get a referral to someone who does residential work than searching for engineers directly.

How much does foundation repair typically cost?

Costs vary widely based on the extent of damage, the repair method, and your home’s specific situation — a minor crack repair and a full foundation piering job are very different jobs. Getting quotes directly from a few local contractors is the most reliable way to understand pricing for your specific situation. It’s also common for two contractors to recommend different scopes of work for what sounds like the same problem, which is another reason a second opinion (see above) is worth the extra step before committing to a large repair.

What areas do you cover?

We currently list contractors across 20 towns in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, including Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point and their surrounding communities. See our About page for the full list of towns.

Can I request a quote directly through this site?

Many listings include a contact form you can use to reach the business directly. Where available, you can also find the contractor’s phone number and website on their listing page.

How do I get my business listed, or update my existing listing?

Reach out through our Contact page with your business name and details, and we’ll get your listing added or corrected.

I found incorrect information on a listing — how do I report it?

Please use our Contact page to let us know which listing and what needs correcting, and we’ll update it as quickly as we can.