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Case Study: Foundation Repair with Push Piers in Redwood City, CA

push piers installed under foundation

A homeowner in Redwood City, CA, was frustrated with worsening problems around his house, including uneven floors and sticking windows and doors. He wanted to fix the issues with underpinning and potentially raising sunken foundation areas.

The owner contacted Groundworks’ San Jose branch for a foundation assessment and to learn about repair options. An inspector recommended installing foundation piers that stabilized and helped lift the home, restoring the functionality of the windows and doors and the floors’ evenness.

The homeowner was pleased that this lasting foundation repair solution fixed the damaged foundation and created a safer living environment.


The Challenge

  • Wall cracks
  • Uneven floors
  • Sticking windows and doors

The Solution

  • Push Piers

The Impact

  • Permanent foundation stabilization
  • Lifted settling sections
  • Closed wall cracks
  • Functional windows and doors

Before Foundation Repair:

cracks on home exterior

Cracking Walls

Foundation problems can develop when you least expect them, but they can also fester for years. A Redwood City, CA, homeowner lived in his house for several years, but it wasn’t until recently that he noticed problems starting to get worse, including wall cracks, which you can see pictured on the home’s exterior.

cracks on home's exterior and gap between concrete and wall

Settling Foundation

The house also suffered from foundation settlement. This was evident in the uneven floors the homeowner experienced, a door that no longer latched properly, and further visible exterior cracks and gaps. These issues are common in many homes, especially as they age. The homeowner wanted to find an appropriate solution to stabilize and safeguard the 50-year-old house.

After Foundation Repair:

equipment used to install push piers

Push Pier Installation

Upon receiving recommendations from a structural engineer, the homeowner contacted Groundworks to learn about underpinning repair options. An inspector evaluated the home, took measurements, and suggested installing eight push piers along a foundation wall with the most cracking and movement.

A crew tackled various issues during the installation, including working around the location of water and sewer lines, but they successfully completed the project in five days.

view of exterior push pier foundation bracket

Lasting Foundation Stability

The push piers were installed deep into the ground until they reached stable soil. This provides the foundation with the stability it deserves.

The crew also applied additional pressure during the pier installation to lift the settling foundation sections. This helped close cracks and restore functionality to previously inoperable doors and windows.

The homeowner now has a safe and stable home that he will be able to enjoy for many years.

Other Reviews for Our Foundation Repair Near You

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The crew leader communicated very well with respect to their goals for each day. He was easy to speak with and share my concerns. The first …

The crew leader communicated very well with respect to their goals for each day. He was easy to speak with and share my concerns. The first few days of the job had rain so it was a challenge dealing with the mud.

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Great help with getting the picture right. Thorough inspection with manyand pictures. pictures.

Great help with getting the picture right. Thorough inspection with manyand pictures. pictures.

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We hired Groundworks (then called Bay Area Underpinning) to install piers at our house back in 2021 to correct some settling that had…

We hired Groundworks (then called Bay Area Underpinning) to install piers at our house back in 2021 to correct some settling that had occurred over the past several decades. We were very impressed by the speed and professionalism of their crew and the company's great customer support. The piers really improved our house, and they have given us peace of mind as the rainy seasons become increasingly severe. We just had the company do a check-up inspection at our house, and we were thrilled to learn that our house has been rock solid since the pier installation. Their technician Ashton was highly knowledgeable and personable, and we appreciated his detailed explanations of his findings and potential improvements we could make in the future (and his no-pressure demeanor). We approached a number of companies for our foundation work, and we're very glad we chose to go with Groundworks.

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I booked an inspection with Groundworks. Alex came out and was phenomenal. Professional, communicative, knowledgeable. Informative but not…

I booked an inspection with Groundworks. Alex came out and was phenomenal. Professional, communicative, knowledgeable. Informative but not overly sales-y. Will definitely turn to him for any work I need now and in the future.

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We had Groundworks out to look at sloping of our living room floor. Derek was super informative and knowledgable. He spent lots of time…

We had Groundworks out to look at sloping of our living room floor. Derek was super informative and knowledgable. He spent lots of time taking measurements and pictures. He inspected the crawl space and was transparent every step of the way. We were impressed by the level of professionalism and knowledge of Derek. While we have not contracted with them yet for the work, we would feel comfortable that our house would be in good hands with this company, they seem to take a lot of pride in their work and reputation. Thank you Derek for taking the time to explain what our problem was and for putting our minds at ease.

Need Foundation Repair for Your Home?

Smiling worker in Groundworks uniform holding a level, standing in front of a company vehicle and houses.

Foundation problems like uneven floors and wall cracks are serious warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored. They indicate your home’s structural integrity is compromised and will only worsen without professional intervention. Left untreated, foundation settlement can lead to extensive damage throughout your home, affecting everything from plumbing and electrical systems to the overall safety of your living environment.

Groundworks, which serves the San Jose, CA, area, specializes in comprehensive foundation repair solutions tailored to your specific soil conditions and structural needs. Don’t wait for minor issues to become major problems. Contact us today for a free inspection and discover how our customized repair solutions can restore your home’s stability and protect your investment for years to come.

Related Resources

Foundation Repair FAQs

Foundation settlement can be a serious concern, as it may lead to significant structural damage if not addressed promptly. How serious? That depends on factors like how long the issues have been going on. Neglecting foundation issues results in visible structural damage and potential safety risks for the home’s occupants. Contact an expert for an inspection to assess the status of your home’s foundation.

Foundation piers attach to your home’s footing. If your home doesn’t have a closed footing, modifications can be made. Consult a qualified foundation repair expert to help ensure your foundation is properly evaluated and factors like soil composition and local building codes are considered.  

Foundation piers are typically a permanent solution. Once installed correctly by a reputable foundation repair company, high-quality foundation piers can last for the lifetime of your home. Unlike temporary fixes such as patching or filling cracks, foundation piers provide a long-term solution to foundation problems and prevent future damage.