Most people call foundation underpinning “piers,” even though they are usually piles, not piers. The name “Pier-less” reflects our mission: helping homeowners avoid unnecessary, invasive foundation repairs. We believe a home that can perform without underpinning is stronger in the long run. A Pier-less Foundation is a Fear-less Foundation™.

No. Unlike repair companies who use “free” inspections to sell you work, Pier-less provides paid, independent evaluations. This ensures you get honest, unbiased information — not a sales pitch. Our inspections are affordable and protect homeowners from spending thousands on unnecessary repairs.

No — the problem isn’t “bad foundations.” It’s expansive clay soils, extreme weather, and invasive trees that cause movement. Unfortunately, Houston is filled with foundation repair companies that exploit these conditions to sell unnecessary repairs. Pier-less exists to give you the facts first.

In Fort Bend County and much of the Houston area, our clay soils can swell and contract up to 6 inches annually. That kind of movement puts stress on any foundation — which is why proactive maintenance like drainage, watering systems, and root barriers matters.

Most foundation movement is driven by moisture imbalance in the soil. Large trees near the home, poor drainage, and inconsistent watering make the problem worse. That’s why we often recommend root barriers, proper guttering, and foundation watering systems as smarter long-term strategies.

All concrete cracks. Small cracks are common and don’t automatically mean failure. What matters is whether the cracks align with measurable movement in the foundation. That’s where a professional evaluation comes in — to separate normal from structural.

There’s no single industry-wide standard. Many engineers and inspectors reference a 1% tilt and L/360 deflection tolerance. This means a foundation could tilt 1 inch per 100 inches, or deflect 1 inch across 30 feet, before being considered “out of tolerance.”

No. Pier-less does not perform repairs. We are licensed inspectors who provide evaluations, recommendations, and consulting. We may recommend foundation repair if it’s truly needed, but we never profit from selling it. Our role is to protect you with independent advice.

We strongly encourage proactive strategies — root barriers, drainage improvements, guttering, and watering systems — to reduce the likelihood of costly repairs later. While Pier-less doesn’t install these systems, we inspect, consult, and recommend them as part of a holistic approach to foundation health.

Costs often start around $8,000 and can exceed $50,000 depending on the company and the scope. This is exactly why an independent evaluation is so important — to determine if repairs are truly needed, and to help you avoid falling into unnecessary expenses.

Most foundation repair warranties are sales tools. They only cover the areas repaired, while the rest of the foundation continues moving. This often traps homeowners into repeat business with the same company. Pier-less helps you avoid this cycle.

Yes. Properly installed root barriers can significantly reduce soil drying from tree roots, protecting your foundation and plumbing. They are one of the smartest long-term preventive measures available in our region.

Yes. Keeping soil moisture consistent reduces seasonal movement. Custom watering systems can be an excellent investment for homeowners, especially in Fort Bend County’s clay soils.

Absolutely. Gutters and proper drainage keep water from pooling near the slab, reducing erosion and moisture swings that stress foundations. Homes without gutters are more vulnerable to soil imbalance and movement.

We’re not here to sell you piers or push unnecessary work. Pier-less is licensed, independent, and unbiased. We exist to protect homeowners with clear evaluations and honest recommendations. A Pier-less Foundation is a Fear-less Foundation™.