# Foundation Repair Timeline (From Inspection to Completion) > The second most prevalent question subsequent to cost in the foundation repair industry is how long does the process take from start to finish? _Brian Dalinghaus ยท 2021-04-21_ Video: [How Long Does Foundation Repair Really Take?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIyScKTQ2Yc) --- The second most prevalent question subsequent to **cost** in the foundation repair industry is _how long does the process take from start to finish?_ ## Foundation Repair Timeline **Inspection scheduling 2 weeks** **Inspection 1.5 hours (one day)** **Proposal Interim 1 day to 6 Months** **Engineering 4-6 weeks** **Active Job Site Timeframe 1-2 weeks** **_\*Note, this process can take up to 6 months, so plan on timeframe flexibility._** There are a variety of factors that dictate, in a truly unironically autocratic fashion, the schedule for foundation repair due to **chronological considerations**. This article details the foundation repair timeline: - Inspection Interval - Inspection - Proposal Interim - Engineering & Permitting - Active Job Site Timeframe ## Inspection Interval Well before clients book a foundation repair inspection, they notice specific [**signs and symptoms indicative of foundation failure.**](/foundation-repair/problem-signs/drywall-cracks/) Common cues include: - [**Sloped Floors**](/foundation-repair/soil-stabilization/) - **[[sign:foundation-repair/leaning-chimneys|Leaning Chimneys]]** - Cracks - [**Drywall**](/blog/reasons-for-sheetrock-cracks/) - Stucco - Footing - Concrete Flatwork - [[sign:foundation-repair/sticking-doors-windows|Sticky Doors & Windows]] The client often conducts preliminary online research to narrow down the possible provocateurs. - [**Foundation Settlement**](/foundation-repair/problem-signs/sinking-foundation/) ## What Is Foundation Settlement? Foundation Settlement is when a foundation sinks into the earth, compromising the building's structural integrity. This is due primarily to gravity, climate, seismic activity, and the tick, tick, ticking of time. - [Foundation Heave](/blog/what-is-foundation-heave/) ## What Is Foundation Heave? Foundation heave is the uplift, elevation of a foundation precipitated by soaked, expanding soils and can generally be attributed to a seasonal increase in moisture, a plumbing leak, or underground aquifers. Both foundation settlement and heave are provoked by **expansive soil**. **_\*Note,_** **[[service:crawl-space-repair/seismic-retrofitting|Seismic activity]]** can also damage foundations, particularly raised foundations that have yet to be [**seismically retrofitted**](/crawl-space-repair/seismic-retrofitting/). After conducting research, perhaps even after reading through our blog and clicking on our link for a free evaluation, the homeowner is put in touch with Caitlin or Carly to book the foundation inspection. **_Foundation Inspections are typically booked 2 weeks out._** After the appointment is booked, the customer is matched with a foundation repair specialist who will reach out directly. The customer can expect **_a brief video_** _bio_ from each specialist and **_a list of several articles_** to read regarding their particular repair situation. The specialist is in touch throughout the two weeks prior to the inspection. ## Inspection (1.5 Hours) The actual foundation inspection time **_averages out to 1.5 hours._** In order to have a better understanding of the inspection process, read **How Long Does a Foundation Inspection Take & What Can Add Time.** ![Foundation specialist in coveralls and a respirator getting ready to inspect a crawl space](/assets/blog/foundation-repair-timeline-2.webp) By the end of your proposal, the customer will receive: - A to-scale CAD of your home - Floor Elevation Measurements **_The foundation repair proposal is usually submitted between 12-24 hours following the inspection._** **_\*Note,_** After the proposal is submitted, the customer has within **_60 days to sign_** before another foundation elevation needs to be performed. This is due to a constant flux of material cost post-pandemic and/or continued settlement/heave. **_Steel_**, **_polyurethane_**, **_concrete_**, and more are currently in limited supply and high demand. ## Proposal Interim This particular stage relies solely on the clientele. A customer could potentially sit on a proposal for weeks to months or until it times out. Obviously, the most common reason for hesitation is **_cost_**; however, Dalinghaus offers prime financing options and works diligently _**to avoid change orders**_(and never has any hidden costs or fees). ## Engineering & Permitting Once the proposal is signed, the proposal is sent to soil/structural engineers for review. This process can take anywhere **_between 4-6 weeks_**. **_\*Note_**, We always outsource our engineering to third parties in order to remain fiscally objective. After the proposal has been rigorously vetted by our outsourced engineering, the plans are then sent out for permitting. **Permitting varies by** **_state_** **,** **_city_** **,** **_county_** **and usually takes anywhere between** **_4-8 weeks_** **.** This is potentially the longest part of the entire foundation repair process as engineering and permitting are in sequential order (and, if they do overlap, it is because engineering needs to be reconfigured). After the permitting has been squared away, the work can be scheduled anywhere between **2-4 weeks out.** So, in sum, the client is looking at potentially **_more than 6 months before shovels hit the dirt._** ## Active Job Site Timeframe The actual work on the job site itself typically only takes **_5 business days_** (your average Monday through Friday workweek). Obviously, if a project starts midweek, it won't be finished until the following week. We rarely work weekends except for unusual, extenuating circumstances. The goal with every foundation repair project is to stabilize or lift to [**maximum practical recovery**](/foundation-repair/) **.** Read our article **The Five Steps to Push Pier Foundation Repair** for a detailed account of the push pier foundation repair process. ## Time Is Money While **_11 to 17_** weeks may seem like an inordinately long time, we don't drag our feet. We wholeheartedly agree with the adage, _time is money_. We don't want to waste our customer's time and we sure don't want to waste our time. Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. ## Schedule a Free Evaluation Foundation movement is easier to judge in person than from a photo. [Schedule a free evaluation](/contact-us/) and a Dalinghaus specialist will walk the property with you and explain what the evidence shows.