New Construction Consultation From a Foundation Repair Specialist, Not a General Contractor

Pre-construction consultation runs $500 to $1,500 depending on site size and complexity, with engineered design coordination above the basic consultation billed hourly. If the consultation results in an engineered pier install, helical piers for new construction run $1,500 to $2,500 per pier installed. A typical residential build needs 8 to 14 piers, totaling $12,000 to $35,000. Pre-occupancy retrofit waterproofing runs $80 to $150 per linear foot exterior or $6,000 to $10,000 interior. Epp writes the estimate after the site visit and geotechnical review.

About 1 in 3 pre-construction consultations Epp performs conclude that the standard footing or slab specified by the architect is appropriate. No engineered piers needed. Epp says so in writing and bills only for the consultation. This is most common on suburban infill lots with documented compacted fill, urban lots over native bearing strata at standard footing depth, and rural sites where the geotechnical report shows stable native soil at the design footing elevation. Epp will not recommend piers a site doesn't need just because the homeowner is willing to pay for them.

Epp reviews the lot's geotechnical report (or recommends one from a regional geotech firm if there isn't one), walks the site, evaluates surrounding topography and drainage, and identifies whether the building pad will sit on stable native soil, collapsible loess, expansive prairie clay, or undocumented fill. The recommendation specifies pier count, depth, spacing, and load assignments, or states clearly that standard footings are appropriate. Engineer coordination on the pier-to-footing detail is included when the project warrants it.

No. Epp installs waterproofing as a post-construction retrofit only. The window Epp targets for new builds is between framing completion and final grade. The excavation is still open or easily reopened, so exterior membrane plus drainage tile can be installed at lower cost than after final landscaping. Interior drain tile and sump systems can be installed any time before or after occupancy. Builders looking for a contractor to install waterproofing membrane during the original foundation pour are looking at the wrong contractor. That's the foundation pourer's scope.

Foundation repair specialists see what fails 20 years after construction. General contractors see what passes inspection on day one. Both perspectives are valid. A foundation repair specialist consulting on a new build identifies whether the soil, drainage, and footing design will hold up to a 30-year service life. Particularly on sites with loess, expansive clay, or undocumented fill. Epp consults with builders across the four-state region who want the long-arc perspective baked into the build plan before pouring. The consultation cost is small compared to the cost of re-piering a home in 2040.

Yes. Epp coordinates with the project's structural engineer on pier spacing, load assignments, the pier-to-footing connection detail, and any structural calculation the engineer needs for plan submittal. Epp does not replace the structural engineer. The engineer remains the engineer of record. Epp provides the helical pier manufacturer's load data, installation specifications, and the actual installation. Engineer coordination work above the basic consultation is billed hourly.

A geotechnical firm tells the builder what the soil is doing. Epp tells the builder what the soil is going to do to the foundation, and what to install to stop it. Both deliverables are valuable, and Epp regularly works downstream of a geotech firm's report. Reading it, translating soil findings into specific pier and footing recommendations, and coordinating with the structural engineer on implementation. On smaller residential builds where a full geotech report isn't budgeted, Epp's pre-construction consultation includes a site evaluation that catches the most common red flags.

Yes. Engineered helical piers Epp installs on new construction come with the same transferable warranty as piers installed on existing homes. The documentation pack. Pier locations, depths, torque readings, load assignments, and warranty certificate. Transfers to the homeowner at closing and to any subsequent owner. Real estate inspectors and lenders in NE, IA, KS, and MO recognize Epp's documentation, and Epp has been the contractor called back for re-inspections since 1994.

Let's take the first step toward a healthy home.

A local specialist will inspect your foundation, walk you through the findings, and send a clear estimate. no cost, no pressure.