We are a general contracting firm which operates under engineering principles and under the direction of several professional engineers, specializing in residential basement waterproofing, foundation structural repair, crawl space waterproofing, encapsulation, indoor air quality and insulation specialists, and expert egress window installers. We are expert inspectors and can provide low-cost engineer's reports for any project. We are also green energy and energy star experts performing home energy audits, blower door tests and thermo graphic imaging. We each have over 20+ years experience in construction and business. We operate with full disclosure, with an ethical approach to everything we do and have over 300 local references that you may call. We accomplish our goal of "zero tolerance for complaints and turning every customer into a reference" by providing our clients with the finest products and services going beyond what is currently offered in the marketplace in value, quality of installation and scope of service. Through implementation of green technology, innovation and through excellence in service and follow up, we continually perform as your personal consultant, providing you with expert advice, cost-effective solutions, products and services to meet your continuing needs and demands. We have multiple Angie List Awards in various categories.
They were on time and very professional. Received a quote a few days later and was very detailed.
Description of Work: Received a quote from The Foundation Expert
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Response from The Foundation Expert
Thanks for the over all A. We appreciate all reviews that accurately depict the level of quality of the work we perform on a daily and individual client basis. But you state, arrived on time, so I get a B for punctuality, Why? Very professional and detailed, but get a B. ??? Love the A, so why all the B's? I actually have to think this member hit the wrong button and meant to give me all A's - Otherwise, why an overall A when the member gives us only B's? Herein lies the flaw in this Angie's List system of allowing anyone to write a comment with no guidelines to keep these reviews accurate and factual as opposed to no criteria whatsoever for grading. How is it possible that I arrived on time - was actually early - and I receive a B - Obviously it is possible, it just isn't correct, it isn't truthful. What did I need to do to receive an A for punctuality? Arrive a day earlier? Member states "Received a report a few days later and very detailed" - responsiveness A yet the member gives us a B. Read my reviews and you will constantly see contradictions between the statements of fact and the graded review on that subject. Bottom line, please skip these reviews on inspections and read reviews where there was actually a proposal, followed by contract and a residential construction project - some take one day, some take months, but within these reviews, you will find mostly reviews you can trust. Happy New Year! and Hopes and prayers for all to be healthy and prosperous in 2013 and forward.
Derek M.
12/2012
5.0
egress windows, basement waterproofing
+ 0 more
Inspection was very thorough both inside and outside of my home. I also requested a quote for a new egress window in the basement. That process was explained to me in great detail and the quote was comprehensive and timely.
Description of Work: Basement leakage assessment.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$75
Nannette W.
12/2012
5.0
basement waterproofing
+ -1 more
On Time and prompt. I have no Dos and Don'ts
Description of Work: The experience was wonderful. He provided us with great information.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$98
Linda H.
12/2012
2.0
basement waterproofing
+ -1 more
This was a special deal offered through Angie's List. I called and scheduled an appointment for a future date. The day of the appointment, I received a call about one hour ahead of when I expected Sam Weisgal to be at my house and was told by his secretary (?) that Sam was not going to be able to make it--something had come up. I know things can happen, so I rescheduled and Sam did show up for that appointment. Unfortunately I was not home although I spoke with Sam as he was looking at the problem in the basement. Adam, my 37-year old son, was showing Sam around and when I got home later, Adam told me that Sam needed to bring out one of his associates becauseSam was unable to diagnose the problem. They had promised to be back "soon". Weeks later I got an email from Sam saying that he hadn't forgotten me, he was just very busy. That was the last I heard from Sam and his company and it has now been months. I presume he got my payment from Angie's list but as far as I am concerned, I got NOTHING for that money. This is no way to run a business!
Description of Work: No service was ever actually performed. Sam Weisgal came out, said he couldn't diagnose the problem and that he'd be back with an associate. This never happened--hence, no performance of service.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
2.0
value
3.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
2.0
$98
Response from The Foundation Expert
First, I did the inspection. What I found was going to be very expensive to fix and wanted a second opinion, which I was not going to charge for although many members think I work or should work for free. Unfortunately the member had fallen down and actually broke her face a few days before and was in the hospital. She was being treated. She couldn't reschedule for weeks. When she was better, I was extremely busy, we just had a hurricane and major flooding. Since I never heard back from her, I have not rescheduled - complaining here on Angie's List will not get me out there any quicker. A simple courtesy call to the office would have been more productive but some people would rather complain then resolve an issue.
Tim W.
12/2012
3.0
basement waterproofing
+ -1 more
The owner's brother originally came out and was unable to perform the inspection. The owner came out later and did a partial examination but the "written report" was essentially just a proposal for work to be done. I doubt I needed to pay $98 for a bid!
Description of Work: It was a "Big Deal" crawl space evaluation with written report.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
2.0
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
2.0
punctuality
3.0
$98
Response from The Foundation Expert
This member is complaining because he purchased a BIG DEAL coupon for an inspection. He received 2 inspections yet he complains that "I doubt I needed to pay $98 for a bid." You didn't need to pay - nobody twisted your arm to purchase an Angie's List coupon. They actually refund those coupon amounts if you're not happy.Too bad - you should have complained back in May when the inspection was done and Angie's List would have refunded the $98 they collected from you. I only received $49. But here it is, an inspection performed in May, and then for the first time, at the end of December, 7 months later, this member all of a sudden doesn't like the $98 - review you can trust? You tell me.
Marion E.
12/2012
5.0
foundation repair
+ -1 more
Sam went above and beyond the call. He provided an assessment of what the issues were and gave us a different perspective on possible solutions. We have not decided how to proceed, but definitely appreciated his willingness to help us understand all aspects of the situation.
Description of Work: We purchased a Big Deal inspection in order to get a second opinion on foundation issues.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$98
Elizabeth P.
12/2012
5.0
basement waterproofing, foundation repair
+ 0 more
There was a mix up about the day for the scheduled inspection. Sam rescheduled for us and offered to do the inspection himself. He also waived the fee which we appreciated. He spent a lot of time going over our basement moisture issues as well as other issues negatively impacting our house. We already had waterproofing done recently, but he suggested we do it again the right way with his company. We did not feel like we wanted to spend money on doing something over (no fault of this company) at the moment so we are taking a wait and see approach. We appreciate all the tips and advice Sam gave us and would consider Foundation Expert for future needs.
Description of Work: Big deal for Professional Foundation Inspection, Basement Water Leakage & Crawl Space Evaluation, including Written Report. Sam inspected our house and property for any issues that could negatively impact our home.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
angelo G.
12/2012
5.0
basement waterproofing
+ -1 more
After learning of the foundation water issue, I responded to an add on Angie's List from the Foundation Expert for an estimate of the leak and needed repairs. I also obtained other estimates that were less and chose a different contractor.
Description of Work: The Foundation Experts provided a repair estimate for a foundation water leak. They were very professional in this process and were punctual in their appointment and response to my inquires.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
value
3.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Rachel Z.
12/2012
3.0
basement waterproofing
+ -1 more
The inspection was very brief. The written report was also very brief, almost to the point of being useless. It was also difficult to obtain the report--we had to follow up several times.
Description of Work: I purchased The Big Deal to have the Foundation Experts come out and give us a written report of basement and foundation issues.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
3.0
value
3.0
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
3.0
punctuality
3.0
$98
Response from The Foundation Expert
First, the inspection was thorough enough to generate a very good and comprehensive report. We always give a verbal report first at the time of inspection. We then take a week to 10 days, especially when another 160 members signed up for the same big deal - back in February - wonder why she's complaining 8 months later. We are perplexed by this review so we decided to post the report we did send so that you can see how even though this member stated - 'very brief, almost to the point of useless' - you will clearly see that in reality, we gave her a very good analysis of what foundation issues exist, where, what they are, what needs to be done next, and a game plan to get this fixed properly, legally, professionally, and yes, costly - very expensive. But you judge THE REPORT: - - The concrete block foundation has a horizontal crack about 3 feet high from floor slab that runs approx. 34 feet on the front wall and 24 feet on the left wall also approx. 3 feet high. There is an existing front porch where the slab is in poor condition. The underlying support is brick and is also in poor condition. The foundation walls need to be structurally supported / braced and an interior (or exterior) foundation drainage system with commercial grade sump pump and system needs to be installed. First step in accordance with this recommendation is to have an independent certified engineer’s report done to determine scope of work. This is Arlington County and all work needs to be permitted, which may be simple, but still requires Engineer’s drawings and stamped report will be necessary to that process. The walls may need Structural I-beams or rebuilding, carbon fiber with or without Kevlar may be recommended, depending on the engineer. The front porch floor slab needs replacing and along with the support / the bricks need pointing and/or replacing. This report is based on the conditions observed at the time of evaluation and information obtained from the inspection and investigation, including information provided by the client. The inspection was limited to non-destructive, visual observations of the portions of the structure included in the scope of the evaluation that were readily visible and accessible without removal of finishes, soil testing, excavation, or any other inspection means. It should be understood that hidden conditions exist needing a more extensive investigation and there is no claim that all conditions were observed. The opinions, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this report are based on the findings of the evaluation, and the knowledge and experience of The Foundation Expert (TFE) and its associates. TFE has provided this consulting service with the degree of care and skill ordinarily exercised under similar circumstances by reputable members of our profession practicing in the same or similar profession and locality. No other guarantee or warranty, either expressed or implied, is provided. This report is for the exclusive use of the client and is not to be used for other purposes unless prior authorization is obtained. Very brief and useless? So, is this a review you can trust?
The estimate was great. I can't remember the guy's name because it was a while ago and I can't find my paper with the estimate on it because we have done some other remodeling, but I know it's packed up somewhere in a tote. But he knew his work. He told me exactly how the wall around my driveway should have been done,( and I thought the same thing) , but I will be calling them back this spring to redo the wall and some other work I would like done.
Description of Work: I just wanted an estimate for my basement and wanted them to look at the foundation around my house and to look at a crack in a cinderblock wall around my driveway.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
professionalism
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$50
Sarah M.
12/2012
3.0
basement waterproofing
+ -1 more
I had a very nice visit from the brother of the owner. he looked at the base of our townhouse in fromt and in back, and at our tilting downstairs floor, our bowed stairway wall and our sagging upstairs floor. However, I never got the written report. To be fair, I haven't followed up with them to get it... but this really shouldn't be necessary.
Description of Work: I had an inspection done of my house, to try to establish if the condition of my foundation, and especially to see is I had a broken slab.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
3.0
value
3.0
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
3.0
punctuality
3.0
$98
Response from The Foundation Expert
This member states, "To be fair, I haven't followed up with them to get it but this shouldn't be necessary." If you truly wanted the report, you would follow up. We run approximately 1000 inspections in a year. Isn't it possible that the report was emailed and not received? A simple email or phone call requesting the report be sent or resent is what most people do or would do, although it seems a lot of Angie List members prefer to complain or write a poor review as opposed to contacting the inspector or my company. The inspection was done in June yet this review is now appearing in December? The bottom line is this - the report was sent. Did they receive it? Did it go into junk mail and then deleted? We often hear from customers about not receiving reports that were sent, every now and then we do forget to email out a written report that was prepared - again, just shoot us an email we'll take care of it.
Carol P.
12/2012
5.0
basement waterproofing
+ -1 more
You need to modify your rule set if you want reports on vendors in instances where no work was performed.
Description of Work: Only got an estimate. Have not yet had the work done. Estimator was on time and was very thorough in his explanation of what was causing water seepage in basement. He answered all my questions and provided a lot of useful information. Proposed 2 alternative solutions. Everything has to come out of basement to have repair work done. One of my sons had a lot of his stuff stored there which he has only recently finished removing. I expect to be scheduling this work early in 2013.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
KATHY K.
12/2012
4.0
basement waterproofing
+ -1 more
Overall, I don't know why I bought a big deal for an inspection which ended up with a bid for work.
Description of Work: Got the inspection big deal. Inspected basement and foundation. Foundation had no problems. Our problems were mostly drainage around the house. Recommended a partner come out to look and then gave us a bid for regrading and drainage system which was extremely expensive, over $10,000. I don't know why I paid for the big deal, when a bid sherould have been free as in most other services in the trade industry.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0
$98
Tom M.
12/2012
5.0
basement waterproofing
+ -1 more
I called and made an appointment. The gentleman showed up on time and went with me through the basement for a review. He gave me oral recommendations but stated there was nothing that needed immediate attention. We took no further action.
Description of Work: The gentleman inspected the basement and gave recommendations for possible repairs to shore up the foundation. No urgent action was required and none was taken.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$100
Lynne M.
12/2012
5.0
basement waterproofing, foundation repair
+ 0 more
Appointment was completed as stated. We did not need a major repair and were relieved.
Description of Work: He gave an interactive inspection & report. He was very upbeat, and clearly an expert in his field. We took his advice.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$100
Frances F.
12/2012
5.0
basement waterproofing
+ -1 more
The gentleman who came was prompt, courteous, knowledgeable.
Description of Work: I contacted the company to evaluate and report on my basement. I received a detailed report that was helpful to me.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$98
Tracy H.
12/2012
5.0
basement waterproofing
+ -1 more
Purchased the Basement Waterproofing deal and contacted theFoundationExpert but after speaking with the technician they said that my issue didn't require the work the Big Deal coupon provided. They refunded my purchase the next day.
Description of Work: Had an issue with water not draining on my front side walk.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Sylvia R.
12/2012
5.0
basement waterproofing, foundation repair
+ 0 more
Inspection was done thoroughly. We were very pleased with the quality of the work and the professionalism of the service provider.
Description of Work: Company did a full inspection of the basement in our home. Inspection was thorough and well done.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$200
MARK V.
12/2012
4.0
architect
+ -1 more
I thought he was very educated in his synapse.
Description of Work: He went through the foundation and gave a synapses of what he found.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Jennifer S.
12/2012
5.0
foundation repair
+ -1 more
Their service was fine, but I found them to be somewhat overpriced.
Description of Work: They inspected our foundation for potential problems.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$98
Leonora R.
12/2012
1.0
concrete repair, pavers, gravel, foundation repair, stamped concrete
+ 2 more
Very Dissappointing and a Waste of Valuable Time. I would never even consider calling this contractor!
Description of Work: An appointment for an estimate was scheduled. The appointment was kept on time and we explained that the foundation repair was more urgent and the concete stair work that needed to be completed we had more flexability with scheduling. We were told that the foundation work would take about 1 to 1 and one half days to complete. We waited and finally were sent an estimate of $5000 to do the foundation repair and were told by the contractor that he did not want to do the concrete work. The cost for the material, mostly wood, was very small and I asked why the estimate was so unreasonably high. He then lied and said it would take at least 3 to 3 an a half days to complete the work (to try and justify the estimate) and only after continued insistance that his estimate of cost and time was unreasonable based on other estimates we had received admitted that they really did not want to do the job but if we were willing to pay the $5000 he would do it. Reason being that they do not take on work for less than that amount. Beware!! This contractor is very unprofessional and has no problem being dishonest and overcharging the client.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
value
1.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
2.0
punctuality
4.0
Response from The Foundation Expert
First, let me start by stating that ANYONE can write a review about ANY COMPANY on Angie's List. For ANY REASON.This review is proof. If you don't like my name, if you work for another company and you want to lower my ratings, you can complain right now. You don't need to hire me, you don't need anything but a membership, and then, like this customer or like some of my unethical competitors, you can start posting false complaints towards the end of the year to try and influence my ratings and Super Service Award distribution. Second, NEVER HEARD OF THIS PERSON - I WAS OUT OF THE COUNTRY!! I run almost all of my inspections - do not do estimates - and on May 1 I was enjoying a vacation in Panama City, Panama - and did not get back to the country until May 7th. Can prove that with passport stamps. Also, we charge for our inspections - we do not do free estimates. We do paid inspections. Another indicator that this is a false review. Reviews you can trust? Unfortunately, because Angie's List allows ANYONE to complain about any company, they are not reviews you can trust.
Pamy A.
12/2012
1.0
basement waterproofing
+ -1 more
They charge $179 to visit your home!! There are plenty of other firms that provide a free estimate.
Description of Work: They charge $179 to visit your home!! There are plenty of other firms that provide a free estimate.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
responsiveness
1.0
Response from The Foundation Expert
Wow. We're in DC and this member (never spoke with her, don't know who she is) has time to complain about my price for inspections. Glad she didn't beat me up for ethnic reasons. I barely have time to respond to ridiculous reviews like these. First, this review shouldn't be allowed. Completely non-objective information. You don't like my price go find another company. Don't bad mouth me. I work extremely hard to help homeowners. I DON"T WORK FOR FREE. I get paid for my inspections which are honest appraisals of what is going on in your home, your foundation and the grounds surrounding your home. If I can't figure it out, I send my engineer or one of my trade partners who understand 'stuff'' that may be confusing to me. All in all, you get a service others do not provide. For $179 – which is cheap. If you think this is expensive you will never be able to afford the services I provide. FREE ESTIMATES - pulease - if you think you're getting something for free - well you are. You're getting a FREE SALES PITCH, and usually from companies that have horrible ratings or horrible reviews. Right now I am on a mission - to help homeowners by correctly diagnosing and fixing issues occurring in their home. I do not do free estimates - I don't ESTIMATE. I write proposals, and then contracts - WHY? Because I am a General Contractor and Engineering firm. Not a Home Improvement SALES Company. I have NO SALESPEOPLE. I have people like me who actually do the work and do it in MY NAME. MY COMPANY. Sometimes, if you as the customer know EXACTLY what is happening in your home, I'll come out and give you a free inspection because you're saving me time. Or give you a FREE PHONE CONSULTATION. I do that often - it saves me time. My time is valuable - I am absolutely sure you think your time is valuable - you want a free estimate? Then don't complain when you get ripped off by these high pressure sales people who actually don't have a clue when it comes to foundation repair and basement waterproofing. Don't be surprised when they sit at your breakfast or dining room table and pull out paperwork and contracts, and won't leave your home until they pressure you for 2 hours. Don't be surprised when you get 21 follow up phone calls. Don't be surprised when your price miraculously drops by thousands for every hour of your time they waste or with every follow up call. Don't be surprised when they get a "sudden cancellation" and they can miraculously discount their original price by 20-50% or more. Beware and be aware. Fair warning given with compassion. If you want the truth - and I do not pull any punches - then call and schedule me for a paid inspection. I am booked 1-2 weeks out, but sometimes for emergencies or urgency I can squeeze you in. At the end, if you don't think it was worth it, Please don't pay me. But to complain about my pricing? You don’t have a right. Angie's List Special right now – Foundation Inspection - $179. If you want me to Inspect a wet and nasty Crawl Spaces, if I have to crawl and put on Tyvek Suits and respirators then my fee is $250. - too much work, too much back ache for anything less - again - at the end, don't pay if you don't get your money's worth. What do you have to lose? Your hard earned savings if you hire some of these other companies that “work for FREE!” You never know - even a blind squirrel can find a nut.
Allyson B.
12/2012
4.0
basement waterproofing
+ -1 more
Mr. Weisgal conducted a thorough asessement of the basement and some future issues. Mr. Weisgal was very knowledgeable and provided interesting information about the house and structure. No work was done but he provided a proposal in a timely manner.
Description of Work: Basement assessment and discussion of options.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Gene S.
12/2012
5.0
basement waterproofing
+ -1 more
The company called us after we purchased the coupon which surprised us. We felt it showed good initiative. They scheduled a Saturday appointment for our convenience and were on time. The discussed what they found, as well as several options for fixing our problem, explaining the pros and cons of different fixes. They did not pressure us, and we received a written report shortly after.
Description of Work: We did not follow through with the services, but we felt like they did a thorough job in examining our property and problem and presenting a report on their recommendations. If we do decide to have the servies performed, there is a good chance we will us them.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
HOPE M.
12/2012
5.0
foundation repair
+ -1 more
Great... Very knowledgeable .....SEE ABOVE
Description of Work: We found The Foundation Experts to be very knowedgeable. We had just moved into our new home and it has a very unusual foundation and design not normally seen. They inspected our foundation and fully explained the unusual aspects of our house design and assured us that it was a really good design and was not in need of any repair. We enjoyed the experience and have decided to have them do preventative inspections in the future.
All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.
*Contact business to see additional licenses.
Service Categories
Basement Waterproofing,
Foundation Repair,
Structural Engineering,
Home inspection,
Concrete Pouring and Repair,
Basement Remodeling,
Drain Pipe Installation,
Drywall,
Egress Windows,
Finished Carpentry and Woodworking,
Wells and Pumps,
Stone and Gravel
FAQ
The Foundation Expert is currently rated 4.4 overall out of 5.
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Foundation Expert accepts the following forms of payment: Check,MasterCard,PayPal,Visa
No, The Foundation Expert does not offer free project estimates.
Yes, The Foundation Expert offers eco-friendly accreditations.
No, The Foundation Expert does not offer a senior discount.
No, The Foundation Expert does not offer emergency services.
Yes, The Foundation Expert offers warranties.
The Foundation Expert offers the following services: Basement Waterproofing, crawlspace waterproofing encapsulation, foundation structural repair, foundation, structural inspections, crack repair,
Handyman services for first time customers.
Contact information
8300 Greensboro Drive Suite L1656, Mclean, VA 22102