Using My Knowledge as Foundation Repair Expert 

After nearly 35 years in the foundation repair industry, I recently sold my business, Arizona Foundation Solutions to the Thrasher family in Omaha Nebraska.

Since then, I’ve taken some time to reflect, and think about what’s important to me. Recently, I took a European River Cruise and during that time I reflected on what is really important in life. I remembered Aristotle’s comment that happiness comes from accomplishments and doing what is right, as opposed to accumulating things. 

I did get a substantial amount of money from the sale of my foundation repair company. Therefore, I no longer need work to support myself in retirement. However, the aspirations and ideals that I’ve expressed for the industry as a foundation repair expert, still hold strong and dear to my heart. 

My Foundation Repair Expertise Can Educate and Protect Consumers

I have decided to continue my work as a foundation repair expert through education. This was in the hopes of fixing some of the problems in the industry that are in dire need of being fixed. 

I still firmly believe that homeowner foundation investigations and inspections should be done by licensed professional engineers, or those under their direct employ and control. There are plenty of examples to share as to why this is so important. Also, I have new thoughts and ideas and innovations that will make it easier and cheaper for foundation contractors to solve problems for homeowners.

 Additionally, there are new standards that are being debated. As a foundation repair expert, I would like to share this with the public in the interest of accountability.

Doing What’s Right Was Always a Priority

When I realized that the engineering and sales functions needed to be separated in the foundation repair industry, I tried to convince my fellow contractors to do the same. After many years of trying, I had very few takers.

I was even a regular speaker at the National Foundation Repair Association on this topic. Everyone agreed in principle that I was correct. Unfortunately, they all felt it was too difficult for them to carry out.  When I sold AZFS to the Thrasher family, we made a gentleman‘s agreement. They would continue the engineering processes that I had developed for two years after the sale. 

To my chagrin, I found out that after three months, they disbanded the entire engineering team. At first, I was shocked and saddened. But then slowly, I came to realize that contractors just don’t have it in them to do an objective, unbiased engineered investigation by a foundation repair expert. 

As A Foundation Repair Expert, I Have a Duty to Share My Knowledge

Accordingly, I have shifted my views to suggest that homeowners will be better served by having an independent, licensed professional engineer perform investigations.

These engineers should not:

 Receive a substantial amount of their income from homebuilders, nor foundation repair contractors. 

They should:

 Have experience in Geotechnical, Structural and Construction Engineering.

Unfortunately, since AZFS is no longer providing engineered reports for homeowners, I no longer recommend that engineers refer homeowners to AZFS for these investigations. They may perform admirably for the repairs, but the investigations are no longer being offered. As a result, I am recommending two engineering companies. I know they can provide these unbiased independent investigations. They are:

Copper State Engineering
david@copperstate-eng.com
(602) 399-9145

Exel Foundation Investigations

Clint Mueller PE

(602) 918-0745

Paul Scott PE SE (for crawl space construction only)

(602)370-1231

I Aspire to Change the Foundation Repair Industry

Due to my years as a foundation repair expert, I realize there may be other admirable engineers providing these services. However, I know the two firms listed above won’t turn away this kind of work. I also know that they will provide excellent unbiased, data-driven services for homeowners. If there are others, please respond to the comments portion so that we can share that information with everyone. 

I will be posting new blogs here often. These will provide my insights as a foundation repair expert on industry topics. In addition, you can learn more about the foundation repair industry in my book, Foundation Repair Secrets. I have lots of exciting things to share! I hope all of you will tune in and contribute to improve this industry and help better protect the public.