Foundation Repair with Helical Piers in Rose Hill, Alexandria – Honest, Affordable Fix
When structural cracks began appearing throughout Chris G.’s 70-year-old home in Rose Hill, multiple contractors quoted aggressive and overpriced solutions.
DMV Foundation Solutions offered a smarter, more honest approach—stabilizing only the corner of the home that was actually settling, as confirmed by an independent structural engineer. The result: successful stabilization with fewer piers, lower cost, and no unnecessary work.
Customer -
Chris G.
Foundation Damage in Rose Hill – Cracks and Uneven Floors
Chris first noticed cracking on the interior and exterior of his home—but the real concern started when doors began sticking and gaps widened. Initial assessments from other contractors recommended 30+ push piers at a cost exceeding $100,000. Frustrated by the sales tactics, Chris reached out to DMV Foundation Solutions for a second opinion.
Independent Structural Diagnosis Confirms Localized Settlement: Engineering-Backed Recommendations vs. High-Pressure Sales
We recommended Chris bring in a third-party structural engineer to verify the extent of the settlement. The engineer confirmed our findings: only one corner of the home was affected, and it could be safely stabilized without additional intervention.
This approach avoided the cost and disruption of a full-perimeter pier installation.
Our Solution – Helical Pier Installation & Exterior Drainage Fix: Localized Repairs That Delivered Immediate Results
To permanently stabilize the settling corner, we installed:
- 10 total helical piers
- 8 piers installed using an excavator
- 2 piers installed with a portable hydraulic drive unit
- All piers installed from the exterior for minimal disruption
We also took advantage of the exposed foundation to improve water management:
- Applied a waterproofing membrane to the exposed wall
- Replaced and upgraded the footing drain system
- Redirected nearby downspouts to prevent future pooling
Helical piers were chosen because they don’t rely on the home’s weight, making them ideal for Rose Hill’s mixed soil conditions and older home construction.
Stabilization Success and Homeowner Satisfaction: Cracks Closed and Movement Stopped—Without Overpaying
Post-installation, the homeowner reported no new signs of movement and even saw some cracks begin to close naturally. Six months later, the home remained stable with no return of symptoms.
Long-Term Foundation Health Through Drainage & Support
While the pier system solved the immediate issue, we educated Chris on the importance of ongoing drainage maintenance. Proper guttering, clean downspouts, and landscape grading can prevent future soil shifting.
To support long-term success, we also provided:
- A transferable structural warranty on the helical piers
- A final walkthrough and maintenance education
- Access to our team for future inspections or upgrades
Protect Your Home with Honest, Engineering-Backed Foundation Repair
If you’re seeing wall cracks, uneven floors, or sticking doors, you may be dealing with foundation settlement. DMV Foundation Solutions offers honest assessments, collaborative planning with engineers, and results that last.
What the Homeowner Said
“We are very satisfied with the work DMV did for us, and are particularly pleased with their honesty… that sort of honesty and pricing earns a permanent spot in my trusted contractor list.”
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FAQs
Q: Why choose helical piers over push piers?
A: Helical piers are ideal when soil conditions are inconsistent or structures are lighter. They’re installed mechanically to a load-bearing depth without needing the structure’s weight.
Q: Will the piers lift my house?
A: While some lifting may occur, our focus is on stabilizing the foundation to prevent further movement. Attempting to “force” cracks closed can create stress elsewhere.
Q: Is this kind of repair disruptive?
A: Not typically. In this case, all piers were installed from the outside, avoiding any disruption inside the home.
Q: Is it worth getting a structural engineer?
A: Yes. A third-party engineer ensures you only pay for what’s needed—no more, no less.
Contact DMV
Call us today to schedule a free inspection and get expert feedback—without the pressure.
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