What Olshan Foundation Repair Does

Olshan Foundation Repair is a national foundation repair contractor that operates in multiple states and handles structural issues like settling, cracking, and water damage in residential foundations. The company uses methods including helical piers, steel push piers, wall anchors, and polyurethane injection to stabilize and repair foundations. Unlike a general contractor or inspector, Olshan is a specialized repair firm — they diagnose the problem, propose a solution, and perform the work themselves.

Olshan has been in business since 1958 and maintains regional offices across the United States. If you have received a recommendation for Olshan or are considering them for a foundation issue, understanding how they work, what they charge, and what the repair process looks like will help you decide whether to get an estimate from them.

Key Takeaways

  • Olshan is a repair contractor, not an inspector or engineer — they diagnose problems and perform the repair work themselves, which means their estimate is also their sales pitch.
  • The company offers several repair methods (piers, anchors, injections) and will recommend one based on the foundation type and damage pattern they observe.
  • Getting a written estimate from Olshan is free, but you should also obtain estimates from at least one other foundation repair company before committing to any work.
  • Olshan typically offers financing options and may work with your homeowners insurance if the damage is covered, though most foundation settling is not.
  • Repair costs vary widely depending on the method used, the size of the foundation, and the severity of damage — there is no standard price you can look up in advance.

How Olshan Diagnoses and Estimates Foundation Problems

When you contact Olshan, a representative will schedule a site visit. During this visit, a technician or engineer will inspect your foundation, look for cracks, measure any visible settling, check for water intrusion, and assess the soil conditions around your home. They will ask about when you first noticed the problem, whether it is getting worse, and what symptoms you are seeing (doors sticking, cracks widening, water in the basement).

After the inspection, Olshan will provide a written estimate that describes the problem as they see it, recommends a specific repair method, and quotes a price for the work. This estimate is free, but keep in mind that Olshan is both the inspector and the contractor selling you the repair. For that reason, it is standard practice to get at least one other estimate from a different foundation repair company before deciding to move forward. A second opinion protects you from overestimating the severity of the problem or the cost of the solution.

Common Repair Methods Olshan Uses

Helical piers are large screws twisted into the ground beneath the foundation to support it and lift it back to level. They work well in poor soil and are often used for new construction or severe settling. Steel push piers are driven into the ground under the foundation using hydraulic pressure and are typically used when helical piers are not practical. Both methods are permanent and can last the life of the home.

Wall anchors are bolts or cables anchored to the foundation wall and the soil or bedrock beyond it, used to stop inward movement of basement walls caused by soil pressure. Polyurethane injection fills voids beneath the foundation or seals cracks to prevent water entry and stabilize the soil. The method Olshan recommends will depend on your foundation type (slab, crawlspace, or basement), the nature of the damage, and local soil conditions.

What Olshan's Pricing Typically Covers

Foundation repair is not a commodity — there is no standard price per square foot or per pier. Costs depend on how many piers or anchors are needed, how deep they must go, the difficulty of access, and the repair method chosen. A straightforward crack injection might cost a few hundred dollars, while a full underpinning with multiple piers can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Olshan's estimate will itemize the work proposed and the cost for each component. The estimate usually includes the repair work itself but may not include other costs like grading, drainage work, or interior finishing if walls or floors were damaged. Ask the estimator what is and is not included, and whether any follow-up work (like regrading or waterproofing) is recommended but priced separately.

Financing and Insurance Considerations

Olshan typically offers financing through third-party lenders, allowing you to spread the cost over several years rather than pay in full upfront. The terms and interest rates vary, so ask what options are available and what the total cost will be over the life of the loan.

Homeowners insurance rarely covers foundation settling or gradual damage, because these are considered maintenance issues rather than sudden events. However, if the damage was caused by a covered event — such as a burst pipe, earthquake (if you have that coverage), or a sudden ground shift — your insurer may cover part of the repair. Contact your insurance company with photos and the Olshan estimate to ask whether any coverage applies. If it does, Olshan can often work directly with your insurer to coordinate payment.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring Olshan

Before signing a contract, confirm that the estimate includes a timeline for the work, a warranty on the repair (Olshan typically offers warranties ranging from 10 to 25 years depending on the method), and what happens if the problem recurs during the warranty period. Ask whether the company will handle permits and inspections, or whether you are responsible for those. Ask for references from recent customers in your area and follow up with at least one or two of them.

Also ask whether the repair will require you to vacate the home during work, what disruption to expect, and how long the job will take. Some repairs can be completed in a few days; others take weeks. Understanding the timeline helps you plan and decide whether the timing works for your household.

Why Getting Multiple Estimates Matters

Foundation repair contractors sometimes recommend more extensive (and expensive) solutions than necessary, and sometimes underestimate the problem. A second estimate from a different company — ideally one that is not also trying to sell you a repair — gives you a baseline for comparison. Some homeowners also hire a structural engineer to review the problem independently before committing to any repair, which costs a few hundred dollars but can save thousands if it prevents unnecessary work.

If two contractors recommend very different solutions or prices, ask each one to explain their reasoning. A significant difference may reflect different assessments of the severity, different repair methods, or different overhead costs. Understanding the reasoning helps you evaluate which estimate is more credible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an Olshan foundation repair typically take?

The timeline depends on the repair method and the size of the job. A straightforward crack injection might take a day or two. A full underpinning with multiple piers can take two to four weeks. Olshan will provide a timeline in the estimate and update you if conditions discovered during the work change the schedule.

What warranty does Olshan offer on their repairs?

Olshan typically offers warranties ranging from 10 to 25 years, depending on the repair method used. The warranty covers the repair work itself — if the foundation settles again or the repair fails during the warranty period, Olshan will return to fix it at no cost. Ask the estimator for the specific warranty terms in writing before you sign the contract.

Can I use my homeowners insurance to pay for an Olshan repair?

Most foundation settling and gradual damage is not covered by homeowners insurance because it is considered normal wear and maintenance. However, if the damage was caused by a sudden, covered event (like a burst pipe or earthquake), your insurer may cover part of the cost. Contact your insurance company with photos and the estimate to ask. If coverage applies, Olshan can often coordinate directly with your insurer.

What should I do if Olshan's estimate seems too high?

Get at least one other estimate from a different foundation repair contractor. Compare not just the price but the repair method recommended and the reasoning behind it. If the estimates differ significantly, ask each contractor to explain their approach. You may also consider hiring a structural engineer to review the problem independently before deciding.

Does Olshan handle permits and inspections?

This varies by location and the scope of work. Some municipalities require permits for foundation repair, and some require a final inspection. Ask Olshan in the estimate whether they handle permits and inspections or whether you are responsible for obtaining them. This affects both the timeline and the total cost.