Emergency Foundation Contractors in Austin
Connect with emergency foundation repair contractors now. We help you find licensed professionals who offer same-day inspections and immediate response.
Hammer & Hearth connects you with licensed contractors. We don't provide services directly.
Find Emergency Contractors Now →Browse pre-screened contractors available for emergency foundation repair in Austin
Is This a Foundation Emergency?
Use this triage guide to determine the urgency of your situation
CALL 911 + EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY
Life-threatening emergencies
- •Imminent structural collapse: Walls leaning severely, large sections sagging, ceiling dropping
- •Gas smell: Foundation movement has damaged gas lines
- •Electrical hazards: Exposed wiring from foundation shift, sparks, burning smell
- •Major flooding: Extensive water intrusion threatening structural integrity
⚠️ These situations require emergency services (fire department, structural engineers) before foundation contractors.
CALL NOW - SAME-DAY SERVICE NEEDED
Urgent situations requiring immediate professional assessment
- •Sudden major cracks: Cracks wider than 1/2 inch that appeared in hours/days
- •Active water intrusion: Water pooling under foundation, flooding crawl space
- •Chimney tilting: Visible lean or separation from house
- •Major slab leak: Water flowing from under foundation, hot spots on floor
- •Storm/tree damage: Tree fell on structure, severe weather caused visible foundation shift
- •Home sale closing soon: Foundation issues discovered days before closing
PRIORITY SERVICE - 24-48 HOURS
Serious issues that need prompt attention but not immediate danger
- •Rapidly worsening cracks: Cracks growing noticeably week to week
- •Multiple doors suddenly sticking: Several doors won't close properly within days
- •New large gaps: Gaps exceeding 1/2 inch between walls and ceiling/floor
- •Floor noticeably sagging: Visible dip or bounce when walking
- •Pre-listing inspection: Foundation issues found before putting home on market
Common Foundation Emergencies in Austin
These are the most frequent emergency scenarios we respond to in the Austin area
Plumbing Disaster Flooding Crawl Space
Scenario: Burst pipe or water heater leak floods crawl space or soaks soil under slab foundation.
Why it's urgent: Water undermines foundation support, can cause rapid settlement. Austin's expansive clay soil becomes unstable when saturated.
Our response: Stop water source, pump out standing water, assess foundation damage, install temporary support if needed, schedule permanent repair within 48-72 hours.
Severe Storm Causing Sudden Settlement
Scenario: Heavy rain saturates soil, causing rapid foundation movement. Cracks appear overnight.
Why it's urgent: Foundation actively moving. Austin's clay soil can shift dramatically when going from drought to saturated conditions.
Our response: Emergency elevation survey, assess active movement, install temporary stabilization, improve drainage, permanent pier installation once soil stabilizes.
Slab Leak Discovered During Home Sale
Scenario: Pre-sale inspection finds active slab leak and foundation damage. Closing in 2 weeks.
Why it's urgent: Sale contingent on repairs. Buyer threatening to walk. Time-sensitive financial implications.
Our response: Expedited leak detection, coordinate with plumber, temporary stabilization, fast-track permit approval, complete critical repairs within 5-7 days.
Tree Fall Damaging Foundation
Scenario: Storm knocks large tree onto house, impacting foundation. Common with Austin's mature live oaks.
Why it's urgent: Structural integrity compromised. Weight may be causing progressive damage. Insurance documentation needed immediately.
Our response: Safety assessment, document damage for insurance, temporary shoring, coordinate with tree removal, repair foundation and structural damage.
Our Emergency Response Process
Immediate Phone Assessment (5-10 Minutes)
Call our 24/7 hotline. Our experienced technician will assess urgency, provide immediate safety guidance, and dispatch appropriate crew. Available 365 days a year.
Same-Day Site Visit (2-4 Hours)
Licensed technician arrives with emergency equipment. Complete safety assessment, photo/video documentation, elevation survey if needed. Typically within 2-4 hours during business hours, 4-8 hours after hours.
Temporary Stabilization (Same Day if Needed)
If foundation is actively failing, we install temporary support systems: hydraulic jacks, steel bracing, emergency shoring. Stops progressive damage while we plan permanent solution. Cost: $1,500-$3,000.
Permanent Repair Scheduling (48-72 Hours)
Fast-track permitting and crew scheduling. Most emergency repairs begin within 48-72 hours. We prioritize emergencies over standard appointments. Typical emergency repair completion: 2-5 days.
24/7 Emergency Availability
Our emergency hotline is staffed around the clock. Nights, weekends, holidays - we answer. True structural emergencies get immediate dispatch. Less critical issues discovered at odd hours receive phone guidance and first-available-morning scheduling.
Emergency Service Costs
Understand the cost implications of emergency foundation service
| Service | Emergency Premium | Why More Expensive |
|---|---|---|
| Business Hours (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm) | No extra charge | Standard pricing applies for inspection and repairs |
| After Hours / Weekends | +$200-$300 dispatch fee | On-call crew activation, after-hours labor |
| Holidays | +$300-$500 dispatch fee | Premium holiday pay for crew |
| Expedited Repairs (starting within 48 hours) | +15-25% on repair cost | Overtime crew costs, rush permitting, schedule disruption |
| Temporary Stabilization | $1,500-$3,000 | Emergency equipment rental, specialized labor |
💳 Emergency Financing Available
We understand foundation emergencies are financially stressful. We offer:
- 24-hour credit approval for emergency financing
- 0% interest for 12 months on qualifying emergencies
- Begin work immediately with approved credit
- Payment plans available up to 60 months
Temporary Emergency Measures You Can Take
While waiting for professional help, these steps can prevent further damage
Turn Off Water Main
If the emergency involves a plumbing leak, immediately shut off your main water valve. Located where the water line enters your home, usually near the street-side exterior wall or in the garage. Turn clockwise to close.
Document Everything
Take extensive photos and videos from multiple angles. Measure crack widths with a ruler. Note when you first noticed changes. This documentation is critical for insurance claims and helps our technicians assess remotely.
Keep Everyone Safe
If walls are leaning, ceiling is sagging, or you smell gas, evacuate immediately and call 911. Do not re-enter until professionals clear the structure. Mark hazardous areas with tape to prevent accidents.
DO NOT Attempt These
- ✗Do not try to jack up the foundation yourself - requires engineering calculations and can cause catastrophic failure
- ✗Do not enter unstable crawl spaces or areas with leaning walls
- ✗Do not attempt foundation repairs yourself - illegal without proper permits and licensing in Austin
- ✗Do not delay calling professionals for true emergencies hoping it will stabilize on its own
Why Choose Us for Foundation Emergencies
Emergency Foundation Repair FAQs
Common questions about foundation repair in Austin
Don't Wait - Foundation Emergencies Get Worse
Every hour counts in a foundation emergency. Our team is standing by 24/7 to help protect your home and your safety.
Available 24/7/365 • Licensed & Insured • Same-Day Response