What is the Length of a Lifetime Warranty on Foundation Repairs?

How to Read the Small Print

If you are like many homeowners in the Fort Worth area, your foundation will eventually need some kind of foundation repair. Most foundation repair companies offer a lifetime warranty, but what exactly does that mean? What is the lifetime of a foundation? Here’s what you need to know to understand the lifetime warranty on foundation repairs, and how to get the most out of it.

1) A lifetime warranty refers to the foundation repair work, not the entire house.

It is important to differentiate between the foundation repair vs. the foundation. When you have repair work done on your home, the warranty only covers the work that was done, not the entire foundation. For example, if you have 5 piers installed to level the left side of your home, the 5 piers on the left side of your home would be included in the warranty. If 8 years later those same 5 piers shift and need to be adjusted, it would likely fall under the warranty. However, if 6 years later the right side of your home needs additional leveling and 6 more piers, those would not be covered under the warranty but, rather, be considered additional work.

2) Transferrable lifetime warranties.

Many times, the lifetime warranty is transferrable to new owners when you sell your house. It is important to understand the terms and requirements of the transfer. Some companies require the new buyer to inform them of the home purchase within 30 days, other even charge a fee for the transfer. At Atlas Foundation Company, we make keep it clean and simple. Our foundation repair warranty stays with the property for the lifetime of the home. We do not require the new owner to contact us and we don’t charge a fee to transfer the warranty.

Atlas Foundation offers a lifetime warranty on foundation repairs. Call 817-478-1181

3) The Lifetime Warranty is only useful if the foundation repair company is still in business.

If there isn’t a company around to honor the warranty, the warranty isn’t worth the cost of the paper it’s printed on. Many shady companies will change names—some multiple times—so that previous customers can’t find them to make a claim. It is important to have your foundation repairs done by a reputable company that has been in business for a long time. Atlas Foundation Company has been has been serving the foundation needs of homeowners in and around Fort Worth for over 50 years. That’s reliability!

4) Foundation Repairs are not “one and done”.

The soil in the Fort Worth area shifts and changes. Piers and repairs may require adjustments over time. You want a foundation repair company that stands behind their work, but understands that “shift happens”. Make sure you know if the warranty covers only labor, only materials, or both. 

Lifetime Warranties on Foundation Repairs Can Become Null and Void

5) Understand the terms of the lifetime warranty. Are there any requirements for activation?
Will anything void the lifetime warranty on your foundation repair?

Some warranties may require additional inspections or tests in order to be activated. For example, the foundation repair company may want a plumbing test done to check for plumbing damage after the repair is completed.

Some conditions that can void the lifetime warranty of foundation repairs are:

1. Major structural alterations and additions to your home, including swimming pools.
   1. Major plumbing leaks.
   1. Natural disasters such as tornadoes, earthquakes, floods and fires.
   1. Poor maintenance. Your foundation repair company should offer guidance on the best way to maintain your foundation. Not following these directions can void your lifetime warranty.
   1. Non-payment of completed foundation repairs

In conclusion, lifetime warranties on foundation repairs can give you security and peace of mind for your largest investment—your home. However, it is important to understand the fine print of the lifetime warranty and what it actually covers. For the best results, choose a foundation repair company with a long history, strong customer recommendations, and a reliable reputation. 

Contact the Best Fort Worth Foundation Repair Company

Atlas Foundation Company offers a free and transferrable lifetime warranty on every foundation repair. To learn more, go to our website or call us at 817-478-1181 to schedule a no cost, no obligation estimate. With over 50 years of experience, you can trust Atlas to provide you with expert—and warrantied—foundation repairs.