Foundation inspections in Allen: which level do you need?
Texas engineers describe three levels of foundation investigation. Here's what each includes.
The Texas Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers publishes guidelines for evaluating and repairing residential foundations. Version 3, adopted April 1, 2022, describes three levels of investigation. Knowing them helps you ask for the right one.
| Level | What it includes |
|---|---|
| A | Talking with the occupants, reviewing documents, a visual walk-through, and noting what's affecting the foundation. The report states what was done and recommends any further investigation. |
| B | Everything in Level A, plus measured relative floor elevations, a scaled drawing of them, and a comparison of deflection and tilt against tolerances. |
| C | Levels A and B plus extra work such as soil sampling and testing, plumbing tests, material testing, a tree survey and a detailed survey of the damage. |
Which one do you need?
A walk-through can tell you whether something deserves a closer look. A repair decision usually needs numbers: Level B's measured elevations show how far the floor is out of level and where. Level C makes sense when the cause is unclear, for example when a plumbing leak or a large tree may be involved.
Who should do it
The guidelines say evaluation and repair design should be done by an engineer licensed in Texas, acting objectively. A repair company's inspection is often free, NerdWallet notes, but the company may overstate the problem because it sells the fix. By Angi's 2026 figures, a structural engineer can run to $1,500 or more.
After the repair
The guidelines say the engineer, or someone they authorize, should measure floor elevations again after the work, and can issue a letter of substantial completion saying the repair generally matches the design. Ask for both. They're useful when you sell.
Checklist for the report
- Which level of investigation it is
- The elevation drawing, if it's Level B or C
- Whether the house needs repair now, or monitoring
- Drainage, gutters and trees the engineer noticed
- The engineer's name and Texas license number
Sources
- Texas Section, American Society of Civil Engineers: Guidelines for the Evaluation and Repair of Residential Foundations, Version 3 (adopted April 1, 2022)
- NerdWallet: Foundation repair cost in 2026 (Shannon Bradley, updated February 25, 2026; figures from Angi)
Last checked October 7, 2026. Rules, costs and contact details change, so check the source before you act on them.
Good questions
What's the difference between a Level A and Level B foundation inspection?
In the Texas Section ASCE guidelines, Level A is a visual walk-through with interviews and a document review. Level B adds measured relative floor elevations, a scaled drawing and a comparison with tolerances.
Who should inspect my foundation?
The Texas Section ASCE guidelines say evaluation and repair design should be done by a Texas-licensed engineer acting objectively. Contractor inspections are often free but come from someone selling the repair.
Ready for a local contractor's opinion?
Use the form or call. We forward your request to a foundation repair contractor near you. There's no charge to homeowners.
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