Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions Quad Cities homeowners actually ask us during estimates — starting with the ones that matter most before you hire anyone. No jargon, no pressure. Don’t see your question? Ask us directly and we’ll add it.

Before You Hire Anyone

Why did three contractors give me three different opinions?

Because there is usually more than one way to repair the same problem — and because some companies lead with the biggest system they sell. Different starting points produce very different quotes. The honest answer depends on what your home actually needs, diagnosed in person, not over the phone. See Get a Second Opinion.

How do I know which repair is actually necessary?

Start with the cause, not the product. A trustworthy contractor explains why the problem is happening before recommending how to fix it. If a quote jumps straight to an expensive system without ever explaining the cause, that’s your sign to get a second opinion. See Foundation Cracks.

Will you recommend the least expensive repair if it solves the problem?

Yes. Often the right fix is a single crack repair, better grading, or a downspout extension — not a full system. We recommend the repair your home needs, not the biggest one we could sell.

Why don’t you recommend certain repair methods?

Because we’ve watched them fail. Wall anchors, over-sold helical piers, and some crack injections get installed because they’re profitable to sell, not because they’re what the home needs. See Repairs We Don’t Recommend.

Will you pressure me into a decision?

No. No commissioned salespeople, no scare tactics. The estimate is free, written, and no-obligation, and the person who looks at your home is a tradesman, not a closer. Request a free evaluation.

Foundation Repair

How do I know if my foundation problem is serious?

Some cracks are cosmetic shrinkage; others — horizontal cracks, bowing walls, stair-step cracks in block, or doors that suddenly won’t close — signal real movement. The honest answer comes from an in-person look. See Foundation Repair.

What does foundation repair cost in the Quad Cities?

It ranges widely — from a few hundred dollars for a crack to $8,000–$25,000+ for a block rebuild — depending on the actual problem. See Foundation Repair Cost.

Basement Waterproofing

Do I really need an interior drainage system?

Sometimes — but often the water starts outside (grading, a downspout, surface water). We check the cause first; many wet basements are solved by regrading or a downspout extension, not a five-figure system. See Basement Waterproofing.

Why does my basement only leak sometimes?

Intermittent leaks usually track heavy rain or snowmelt, which points to drainage and grading rather than a failing wall. See Fix the Drainage First.

Egress Windows

Is an egress window required for a basement bedroom?

Yes — code requires a properly sized egress window in any basement bedroom or finished living space, for a safe exit and first-responder access. See Egress Windows.

Concrete

What makes one concrete job last longer than another?

The base prep and the materials. We pour on a properly prepared base with ready-mix from suppliers we trust — good concrete starts before the truck shows up. See Concrete Flatwork.

Masonry

What is tuckpointing, and when do I need it?

Tuckpointing replaces failing mortar joints. Done right, the old joints are cut out to sound material and repointed — not skimmed over, which fails by the next winter. See Masonry Repair.

What is parging?

A cementitious resurfacing coat that seals and reinforces block foundation walls against water and deterioration. See What Is Foundation Parging.

Lawn Drainage

Can drainage really fix a wet basement?

Often, yes. Moving water away from the foundation — grading, downspout extensions, and yard drains — solves many basement problems at the source. See Lawn Drainage.

Sealcoating

How often should a driveway be sealcoated?

Generally every 2–3 years depending on traffic and condition — but only with quality, properly mixed sealer. See Driveway Sealcoating.

Why did my last sealcoat wear off so fast?

Often because it was watered down to stretch material. We use commercial-grade product mixed to the manufacturer’s spec.

Estimates

Is the estimate really free?

Yes — free, written, and no-obligation. Request a free evaluation.

How fast will I hear back?

Usually within one business day.

Scheduling

How far out are you booked?

It varies by season and project. We give you a realistic timeline up front rather than an empty promise.

Do you handle urgent problems?

Tell us what’s going on — we prioritize honestly based on what’s actually at risk.

Warranties

Do you warranty your work?

Yes — our work is backed by a workmanship warranty. See Warranty.

Why does a warranty depend on the company, not just the paper?

A warranty is only as strong as the company standing behind it. After more than 75 years in the Quad Cities, we’re still here to honor ours. See Warranty.

Still have a question? Get a free, no-pressure evaluation and we’ll give you a straight answer.