AcuStruct, Inc. is an engineering contractor that concentrates on soil-related problems such as landslides, retaining structures, drainage, erosion control, underpinning, and foundation corrective work. Expertise, experience and proficiency are characteristics that mark AcuStruct’s work, says owner Dan Yust.

While customer satisfaction continues to be a prime reason new clients come to AcuStruct, Mr. Yust thinks it’s something else that sets his company apart. “We don’t subcontract out any part of a job, and we own and operate all of our equipment,” he says. Owning and operating all the machinery needed for a job cuts out the inefficiencies of using a subcontractor. AcuStruct is able to perform all the functions that soil and foundation repair projects require.

Mr. Yust explains that a key advantage of using AcuStruct is that it offers a complete crew of knowledgeable foremen and engineers who can adequately analyze and diagnose any situation, as well as design and implement a plan for repair. “We also don’t have in-house engineering,” he says. “We work with independent engineering consultants who work directly with property owners to avoid any potential conflict of interest.” Keeping those two elements of a potential project separate can be critical in determining what work is truly necessary.

Foundation repair is a specialized business, and finding an experienced contractor is important. However, there are a few things you should look into before making your choice.

For one, it’s a good idea to get a complete list of a contractor’s previous clients over the past few years and contact three to five of them. Also, check the financial health of the company through ratings services such as Dun & Bradstreet, or, for complaints, the California Contractors State License Board’s website.

Workers’ compensation insurance is another important area to investigate. Because of the type of work involved in foundation repair, it’s especially critical for a contractor to carry it. In a case where a contractor is using a subcontractor for drilling, check the license and insurance status of those companies as well.

Several variables affect the costs of foundation projects, including:

• An assessment by a structural engineering
• A soil assessment report by a geotechnical engineer
• Seismic considerations
• Underground obstacles (from previous work) or natural obstructions

“Right now, there are some general contractors trying to get into the foundation repair industry because the market is slow in some other areas of the business,” says Dan Yust, owner of AcuStruct Inc. in Concord. “Many just don’t have the experience, so you need someone who really knows the risks and has enough experience to know how to make a realistic bid.” A prospective contractor should include a complete plan based on the recommendation of the engineering assessments. Find out what the remedies include and what the process will be if other problems arise after work begins.

Q: Where do I start with a construction project?

A: The first step is to speak with an engineer and get recommendations about what work should be done to correct a problem.

Q: How long will my job take?

A: It depends on the scope of the job. We communicate regularly with homeowners to review the schedule and status of a project.

Q: Does your insurance cover foundation work?

A: Yes. Being insured for foundation work is important, because some contractors aren’t aware that it can be excluded based on the type of coverage they purchase.

Q: Do you guarantee your work?

A: We generally guarantee work for five years.

Q: Do I have to completely level my structure?

A: Based on assessments made by an engineer, we make recommendations we believe to be in the best interest of the homeowner. In some cases, people choose to save money by not completely leveling a home if they determine the risk is low enough.

Q: What’s the process for getting a permit?

A: Once we’re awarded a contract, we take care of everything, including the permit.