Level A is a visual assessment commonly provided by home inspectors (and some engineers). It includes an interview, document review, a professional walk-through, and may include spot elevation samples for context. You receive an independent performance opinion and practical maintenance guidance—good when you want a professional read at a lower cost.

Level B (our most selected) adds a complete ZIPLEVEL® elevation survey, mapped readings, and Deflection & Tilt Analysis to the Level A visual work. Pier-less also includes the Houston Area Soil PVR (Potential Vertical Rise) map for local context. You receive a written PDF report with diagrams, photos, and clear next steps—ideal when you want precise numbers and documentation.

Level C is an engineer-led forensic investigation that may include soil sampling, lab testing, and targeted diagnostics (e.g., plumbing leak tests, concrete/rebar evaluations). It is deeper, slower, and more expensive—used for litigation, major structural movement, or repair design. Pier-less does not provide Level C; we can coordinate or refer a licensed engineer if needed.

Choose Level A for a lower-cost professional opinion without full documentation. Choose Level B when you want quantified data (elevation survey, deflection/tilt analysis, Houston soil PVR) and a written report. Choose Level C only when a licensed engineer must perform a forensic investigation with testing.

In Texas, two groups are licensed by the state to evaluate foundation performance: TREC-licensed professional home inspectors and licensed professional engineers. Pier-less is licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission and performs independent, unbiased foundation inspections. Engineers also hire us to perform fieldwork and deliver the data they rely on.

Those “certifications” are typically created by the repair industry and are not state licenses. Texas does not regulate foundation repair salespeople to provide licensed inspections or opinions of performance.

No. Pier-less is a TREC-licensed home inspection firm specializing in foundation inspections. We frequently provide inspections and field data for engineers who review our measurements and, when needed, issue engineering opinions.

A licensed inspection is an independent evaluation of foundation performance (soil behavior, measurements, drainage, trees, etc.). A repair estimate is a sales proposal to sell piers or other work. They are not the same—and they often reach different conclusions.

Ask for a TREC license number (inspector) or a Texas PE license (engineer). An internal repair-company “certification” is not a state license and does not authorize inspections or performance opinions.

Most foundation repair salespeople are compensated on commission, which can incentivize recommending repairs. Pier-less is inspection-only and does not sell repairs; our only product is objective truth.

Yes. We provide a clear, licensed opinion backed by measurements and field experience. If repairs are warranted, we’ll explain why. If not, we’ll outline practical steps (root barriers, watering, drainage, monitoring) that often save thousands.

They typically provide commission-based repair estimates and leveling proposals—not an unbiased, independent foundation inspection. Repair companies are not licensed to perform the inspection services we provide.

Every year or every two years at the most— especially if you notice new cracks, sticking doors, drainage changes, or tree growth near the slab. Routine inspections catch trends early and help avoid unnecessary repairs.

You’ll get a clear explanation of performance, what it means, and next steps. When helpful, we provide elevation measurements, tilt/deflection analysis, and a practical prevention plan (barriers, watering, gutters/drainage, monitoring).

Yes. By separating normal movement from structural problems and focusing on soil management first, many homeowners avoid five-figure repair bills. Education beats fear every time.

They are sales calls. The business model is to sell repairs. A licensed, independent inspection frequently determines that repairs are not needed right now—or at all—when soil causes are addressed.

In our region, many aren’t. Seasonal soil movement, trees, and drainage issues drive most symptoms. Addressing those causes often resolves the concern without invasive work.

Yes. Lifts can crack underground plumbing, and perimeter lifts without soil correction can lead to interior settlement. This is why we push soil-first strategies and prudent timing.

The issue isn’t “bad foundations”—it’s expansive clay soils, tree roots, and moisture swings. Managing the soil environment is the key to long-term performance.

Expansive clays can swell/shrink inches seasonally. Movement can be normal; it’s uneven movement that stresses a structure. Trees and drainage are the usual drivers of unevenness.

They control surface water and reduce moisture swings at the perimeter. Consistent moisture + good drainage = more even soils and less stress on your slab.

A root barrier is an underground wall between trees and your slab. It limits root intrusion and moisture loss beneath the foundation, promoting even soil behavior. Done right, barriers can prevent a lot of “repairs.”

We don’t recommend DIY. Barriers must be designed around the foundation, not just the tree. Typical specs include ~36" depth or deeper and 100-mil polyethylene (or stronger). Poor placement can trap water, redirect roots toward plumbing, or fail to protect the slab. Pier-less designs layouts and recommends qualified installers.

No. Without barriers, you may be watering the trees, not the foundation. Install root barriers first; then consider watering to maintain consistent moisture near the slab.

Yes—with root barriers in place. Subsurface systems deliver water efficiently and help reduce seasonal swings. Above-ground hoses can help but waste water and are inconsistent. We’ll advise what fits your site and budget.

Use with caution. Our soils are dynamic, so movement alerts are common. When these systems are sold by repair companies, alerts can become triggers for costly, unnecessary repairs. Prefer licensed inspections and soil management.

You may end up paying for the system and far more reacting to every alert with sales visits. Modern slabs are designed to flex and tilt seasonally; alerts without context can lead to hasty decisions.

All concrete cracks. The question is whether the crack aligns with measurable, uneven movement. That’s what licensed inspections determine—normal vs structural.

Many practitioners reference ~1% tilt and L/360 deflection as screening guides. Real-world judgment matters: soil type, footprint, layout, drainage, and trees all influence performance.

Jobs often start around five figures and can exceed $50,000. This is why an independent inspection is essential—so you only consider repair if it’s truly warranted after cause-first steps.

We’re state-licensed, independent, and focused on your best interest. We educate, measure, and guide you through practical steps that protect your home and wallet. A Pier-less Foundation is a Fear-less Foundation™.