We have over 100 combined years of experience in foundations and foundation repair. As pioneers in the foundation repair industry, Dochnahl Construction has a proven method of using 2" diameter steel pilings to stabilize existing house foundations, support for additions and for use in new construction. We also install helical anchors for retaining walls and retaining wall repair.
Business highlights
78 years of trusted experience
Services we offer
Dochnahl Construction does foundation repair, raising and leveling of setteling homes, foundations and basements under existing homes, basic framing when involved with other structural work, exterior drainage repair and new exterior drainage systems, helical anchors for retaining walls and retaining wall repair, structural and architectual concrete work.
Services we don't offer
We do not do slab jacking, concrete overlays or resurfacing, finish carpentry, interior repairs, landscaping, asphalt or black top.
First of all, LOVE Barry (the foreman)! And of course the father and son duo. Greg was always dependable and on time. He's reassuring and sweet. Very happy to work with them. They came reccomended from a highly regarded local lawyer and I'm happy we took that lawyer's reccomdations! This company is full of the sweetest construction professionals with very highest construction integrity. They have a long client list because they're awesome. Surprise they don't have more internet buzz. We waited to specifically work with them for a foundation repair in Seattle. We knew we wanted it to be done right. They finished on time and right on budget. I'll forever be in debted to their hardwork and high professionalism.
Description of Work: Foundation Repair
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
$50,000
Susan J.
01/2019
5.0
concrete repair, foundation repair
 + 0 more
Excellent. Greg was very helpful, explaining all the options and their pros and cons. He was able to suggest a very cost-effective long-term solution, and completely the work quickly.
Description of Work: Jack up post on settled concrete piling
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
$550
Jan H.
11/2016
5.0
foundation repair, hardscaping
 + 0 more
The work was started and completed in the time estimated and the team went above and beyond to make adjustments as needed. We are very happy with the result and would use Dochnahl Construction again.
Description of Work: We asked Greg to bid on installing a new retaining wall behind the existing one that was failing. The design called for a timber and support posts to be driven into the hard pan.
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
$16,500
Jacqui A.
09/2015
5.0
foundation repair
 + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: We removed a basement bathroom window which left a "hole" in the foundation. This needed to be filled. I contacted several companies but they didn't do that type of work. I called Dochnahl, explained what I needed, and they told me when they could come out to take a look at it. Greg arrived ON TIME! We kicked around various options and he explained it was a fairly small job but he could work it into his schedule. He agreed it should be fixed before rains began. About a week later, he called to schedule the next day. Two members of his crew came out and they filled the window-hole using forms, rebar and concrete. After a couple of days of curing, they returned to remove the forms and apply a waterproofing seal over the new concrete and filled in the hole. It is now probably the most secure part of our entire foundation! The job was done expertly and professionally, on-time, and the communication was excellent! Great company! Thank you, Greg!!!
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
$1,100
Janet H.
07/2015
5.0
foundation repair
 + -1 more
Greg arrived exactly when he said he would and looked at the holes in the foundation that were concerning me. He told me that they aren't a structural problem (good news!) and gave me advice on how to patch them if I wish to for aesthetic purposes. He then took a look at the rest of the foundation, initially from the outside, then in the crawlspace, to make sure it is sound. To my relief, he didn't find any issues. Greg is nice, friendly and professional, and he answered all my questions completely. He will absolutely be the one I call if I have concrete/foundation needs in the future and I will recommend him to my friends as well!
Description of Work: Greg came out to take a look at some holes in our foundation that were left over after we took down a deck (the ledger board was attached to the foundation). Greg also checked the rest of the foundation, going into the crawlspace, to make sure we didn't have any hidden problems.
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
Molly M.
06/2015
5.0
foundation repair
 + -1 more
unknown
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
$4,500
glen M.
11/2014
5.0
concrete repair, foundation repair
 + 0 more
Greg explained everything before hand and delivered on it all. He even did some extra work at reasonable rates we deemed necessary as the job progressed. The end result is better than expected. We looked at another big company that would have raised the existing (compromised) foundation using hydraulic jacks. Dochnahl said they don't do that because they get a better result stabilizing the foundation and then lifting the framing, as they did for me. I labored over the decision based on the methodology, not the price, as the bids were close. I chose Dochnahl because I felt that the hydraulic method would have put too much stress on the concrete and not given them the opportunity to so precisely level the house, which is the only thing noticeable after all that work was done.
Description of Work: Drove piles and tied in existing foundation with piles using concrete. Cut the framing off the old foundation and shimmed all around until the house was level again.
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
$20,000
Barb B.
07/2014
5.0
concrete repair, foundation repair
 + 0 more
I am very pleased with the results of this project and everything went as planned. I would recommend this company to anyone considering their services. My job was a major project that took a year and half to prepare for and once started 7 weeks to complete with a crew working daily. Planning included learning what my options were, consulting with and gathering estimates from three companies, hiring Structural Engineers and a Geo Tech Engineer to develop site plans, going through the Seattle permitting process which required hiring a lawyer and several rounds of review for very minor corrections to the plans (8 weeks), and finally scheduling the work for the drier season. I met Ron Nolten, who was then the owner of Dochnahl Construction, at the beginning of the entire process and selected this company based on my trust in Ron developed over this period. He is honest and has very good communication skills. He listened to my concerns and addressed every one offering several creative suggestions. I could see by working with him that he had considerable knowledge gained through his years of experience and that he was proud of the company that he helped to grow. Over this period he decided to retire and the company is now restructured as a partnership including Ron's son and senior staff who have also been with the company for 25+ years. These partners also worked on my job (Barry, Greg, and Mike), and I was impressed with their skills as well. Every day the work crew seemed happy, were well organized, good at communicating with one another, kept the site safe, and kept each other safe (e.g. took dependable scheduled breaks). Additionally they subcontracted the concrete and worked well with that crew too for 2 separate pour days. They were also very considerate of my neighbors and adjusted their work schedules to arrive a little later and break a little earlier to minimize disturbing their routines.
Description of Work: Home foundation stabilization with 30 pin piles and reinforced concrete, replacement of patio and stairs.
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
Teri B.
01/2014
5.0
foundation repair
 + -1 more
For us we have peace of mind that our foundation and other supports are not the problem. So we'll have someone who works in the construction trade to take a look.
Description of Work: We were having issues with bouncy floors and possible settling of foundation. Ron came out and went under house and found nothing to worry about there. He had no reason for why the floors and fireplace wall were having problems. He did suggest finding a general contractor to take a look. Ron was very professional and when he left he didn't charge us for the visit which we had thought we were going to have to pay for. Nice surprise.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Steve K.
12/2013
1.0
remodeling
 + -1 more
Dochnahl breached contact to perform work, because 'the value of my job was 20 times less than value of other jobs they had lined-up.' Apparently, they are very good at what they do, and can afford to make arrangements to perform work,wasting hours and hours of your time, and just refuse to do the work, because they have a better deal elsewhere.
Description of Work: .
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
Response from DOCHNAHL CONSTRUCTION INC
We were contacted to complete a project that another contractor started and did not finish. Knowing [member name removed] was in a bind with winter approaching, we offered to work weekends to help as our backlog was over 12 weeks. After 6 weeks of temperamental emails and contract negotiations with several out of the ordinary requests, for 3 days worth of work, [member name removed] felt the need to add a penalty clause if the work was not complete in a relatively short amount of time. At this point we decided the risk was way too high and withdrew our proposal. We received multiple emails and phone calls from him at all hours of the night, even an attempt to drive to our office asking forgiveness for his actions. [member name removed] then signed and returned a copy of a preliminary contract (a first draft) along with a deposit check after we informed him that we had nointerest in completing his project. We returned the check with a formal letter declining the work and recommended another construction firm. In response to [member name removed]'s actions and review, there was no breach of contract and we never decline work for being too small. Since 1946 we have successfully performed many projects varying in size from as little as a two hour repair with a cost of $150.00 to 4 month+ projects with costs exceeding $500,000.00.
Bruce C.
12/2013
5.0
foundation repair
 + -1 more
Very professional, top notch advice and service. Quote was in line with the market, but better services offered for the same price.
Description of Work: I contacted DOCHNAHL CONSTRUCTION INC
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
Maureen P.
09/2013
5.0
remodeling
 + -1 more
Greg was very professional. He gave us feedback we thought we could trust. I would recommend this company to give a fair estimate on needs
Description of Work: Only wanted estimate to determine if more extensive job was needed
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Angela P.
08/2013
1.0
foundation repair
 + -1 more
He barely entered the crawl space. He just shined a flashlight in and took a peek. After that we walked around the perimeter of the house and I showed him the cracks I was concerned about. Based on that, he estimated it would cost about $30,000 for the foundation repair. He also suggested replacing my foundation for a new one. That would cost $60,000. What a load of BULL! Good thing they weren't the only company I was getting an estimate from. I went with a different construction company that fixed everything and installed a full crawl space drainage system for $5,000. DOCHNAHL was so over-priced it's like highway robbery!
Description of Work: I asked for an estimate for a foundation repair. I needed some wooden posts replaced and I had a few cracks in the foundation.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
2.0
value
1.0
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
3.0
punctuality
5.0
$30,000
Response from DOCHNAHL CONSTRUCTION INC
There was apparently some miscommunication here. We were asked to visit (Member name removed) residence regarding sloping floors and cracks in the foundation of the home she just purchased. When we asked what her ultimate objective was, she stated she wanted the floors leveled and foundation not to settle anymore. The foundation under her home is an older, unreinforced cinder block foundation that did have a few cracks but was still in decent condition. Over the years it had settled few inches plus or minus from one end to the other. I did crawl through nearly the entire crawl space to look for more cracks and to confirm that several of the posts were loose as was stated in her home inspection report. (There is a chance that I may have been confused with someone else as far as not entering the crawl space as I always cover the entire area to ensure I do not miss a bigger problem later and came out covered in dust and cob webs.) I explained that it is difficult to stabilize a block foundation that has a very small footing (it was exposed in the crawl space) as we have little to grab a hold of to stabilize it. I did state that in a perfect world we would jack up the entire house and install a new foundation but $50k would go away real fast. It was recommended that she not spend her money that way and instead should reset the posts in the crawlspace as needed, take care of the drainage and simply monitor future settling. At that point, it felt like (Member name removed) had already made up her mind and I was not given any chance to explain further what options she had available to her. She stated that a new foundation was out of the budget and walked away. We try very hard to fully explain to people their available options and relevant methods to ensure they understand not just the reason for the cost, but what the work will entail. I have placed a phone call into (Member name removed) in attempt to apologize, explain and remedy the situation, but at this time there has be no success. (no message was left)
Arian G.
08/2013
5.0
foundation repair
 + -1 more
Ron was the nicest guy, showed up on time and we immediately looked at the issues. He went through all of the problems areas and he explained why there wasn't an issue. He wasn't rushed, addressed all of my questions and it was just a wonderful overall experience. I'd almost go as far as saying I wish I could work with Ron and his team (but thankful that we don't have too!). If we have any kind of foundation work, I'd call Ron in a minute.
Description of Work: Ron came out to look at some cracks in the foundation of my house.
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
Marlan C.
07/2013
5.0
foundation repair
 + -1 more
Overall, it was a very useful consultation, all I could have hoped for. Enjoyed meeting Ron, he seemed like a very knowledgeable and helpful guy. While just one interaction, it certainly was positive and I would recommend Dochnahl based on this experience.
Description of Work: Called Dochnahl about a foundation problem we just discovered. Talked with Ron Nolten and as he was going to be in the area, he offered to meet later the same day. We met, discussed the issue and he was able to reassure me that while some action was advised we didn't have a serious issue. He gave practical advice for how to approach correcting the problem. Also asked for a high level estimate for a garage slab/foundation that had sunk on one side. He again had excellent and practical ideas and was able to provide a cost range. I will definitely call Dochnahl when we are ready to proceed with the garage repair.
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
R. Jean S.
02/2013
5.0
foundation repair
 + -1 more
Added pylons so that my garage won't have sink. I had some bricks that were missing and not level and they finished that as well so everything is all perfect.
Description of Work: Built up foundation around my garage
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
$7,000
Gary R.
11/2012
5.0
foundation repair
 + -1 more
We called Dochnahl Construction on Monday afternoon and by Tuesday afternoon Ron Nolten had completed his inspection of the house. He checked the entire house for level and provided a clear and concise explanation of everything he found, including why the cracks the house inspector found were nothing to be worried about. Even so, he provided steps to consider in case we were still concerned about them. Ron is a great guy and will be the first person I call for any future needs.
Description of Work: We are in the process of buying a house and had an inspector go through the place. He found a couple of cracks in the foundation that caused him some concern and recommended we get a foundation specialist to take a look at them.
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
$150
Saeid S.
10/2012
5.0
foundation repair
 + -1 more
We reached out to 5 different companies and all, except Ron Nelton at Dochnahl construction, provided us with different stories about how bad the situation was and suggested major repairs in an excessive amount. Ron was the only one who told us that we have no foundation issue that required fixing. He suggested some drainage management and he even recommended another company for the job. To make sense of all of these, I contacted a Structural engineer to assess the situation and help me make sense of all these different recommendation/analysis/advises/quote I have received (from all these 5 different companies). The Structural Engineer analysis was in line with Ron's recommendation. I appreciate Ron's honesty and integrity. I recommend him strongly.
Description of Work: We had a small crack on one of our wall and wanted to get some expert opinion to help us address the issue.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Kenton K.
09/2012
5.0
foundation repair
 + -1 more
Ron came to the house, evaluated the situation, and thoroughly explained our options. He didn't pressure us, and in fact, he suggested that the house was settling at such a slow rate, that we didn't necessarily need to do anything. He provided a detailed estimate for the work. Dochnahl's price was considerably less than the estimate we received from well-known company and it included everything, The work went very smoothly (for us, at least) and we are very satisfied with the results. The estimated price is what we paid even though they did some unplanned work.
Description of Work: Drove pins in the ground to prevent foundation from settling further. During the course of their work, they discovered a faulty underground drainage pipe and replaced it with a better designed and constructed one at no additional cost.
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
$19,500
Dan W.
09/2011
5.0
basement waterproofing
 + -1 more
We had a water issue in our basement that we needed to address. I contacted several landscapers and drainage specialists to come out and look at the problem. Ron came out to have a look. He was very open with me and I appreciated his professionalism. In the end it was too small a job for them but he did refer me to someone who could help. I would defintiely consider having them back out when we need to repour the driveway.
Description of Work: Estimate
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Andrea F.
02/2011
5.0
basement waterproofing, foundation repair
 + 0 more
Within a day of calling, Ron and Greg Nolton came to look at the problem. They were honest that they wouldn't know the scope of the problem until they started to excavate. Within a few days, I received a detailed contract including scope of work, price, payment terms and an e-mail stating my husband or I were welcome to call Greg or Ron if we had any questions. Greg was the supervisor of the project and a crew of two did the actual excavating, patching of the hole, and waterproofing. Now, 6 months later, even with lots of rain and snow, the basement has not leaked. I would recommend this company to anyone who needed foundation work. In fact, another example of their honesty came when I mentioned we might need a new driveway. Ron said, "I wouldn't replace it at this time. I'd wait." Given the enormity of the driveway, I greatly appreciated his honesty.
Description of Work: Repaired small leak in foundation/basement.
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
$3,832.5
Jay S.
10/2010
5.0
foundation repair
 + -1 more
Very professional, very friendly and willing to take the time to explain everything to me. I would highly recommend their services.
Description of Work: Anchored foundation that had started to slide on steep hillside lot.
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
$30,000
KEIRA M.
09/2010
5.0
basement waterproofing, foundation repair
 + 0 more
We interviewed a LOT of people trying to find the right fit for doing what seemed like an insurmountable and extremely expensive task, but one that really needed to be done, and be done right - supporting the foundation to stabilize my home on a steep slope, and then raise the house to level it out from the 6+ inches it had sunk in the corner with the hillside. Our budget was limited, but of course we wanted someone extremely competent to handle a project like this. We knew immediately upon meeting them that they were the right choice - extremely knowledgable, professional, and just really nice guys. When their estimate was much higher than my budget, I expressed my monetary constraints, and they were willing to redesign the plan without compromising the integrity of the work, and let us do some of the work to bring down the price. In addition, we kept hearing different ideas of how the work should be done by each contractor that came to give us an estimate, so we finally hired an independent structural engineer to tell us the BEST way to raise and support the house - turns out it was exactly the plan Dochnahl had already come up with. They are really the best - they've been in business since 1946 - they've seen and done it all. We are extremely happy with the results, and the experience. They are just super nice guys.
Description of Work: Drive pin piles down along the north and east sides of my house and create concrete support structures around them to stop the foundation from sinking. Then lift the house off the foundation to raise it up the 6+ inches it had dropped in that corner, then level and shim and support the raised house.
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
$12,000
MARY B.
11/2009
5.0
basement waterproofing
 + -1 more
Mr. Nolten responded to a call for an estimate, came out as scheduled and examined the problem thoroughly. He went under the house, in the crawl space and looked thru the entire area. He answered questions my husband asked, and gave knowledgeable answers to everything. In subsequent phone calls he answered other questions fully and quickly. It did take a full week for him to get a bid back to us, which was a bit longer than we anticipated, however, that didn't present a problem.
Description of Work: we called for someone to come give us an estimate on fixing an under the house water problem, caused by heavy rains and downspouts too close to the house. Altho we chose not to go with this firm, we were impressed by the professionalism and competence of Ron Nolten. If we have need of similar service in the future, we would not hesitate to call him, and trust this company with major repairs.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
BETTY G.
11/2006
4.0
basement waterproofing
 + -1 more
I was getting water in my basement and I called Dochnahl who said I needed a basement waterproofing system. They used a compound called HLM5000. Do not use this compound, it is toxic. They found a hole that was the actual culprit and filled it in, but in the process I ended up having to stay in a hotel due to the effects of the HLM5000. They did an outstanding job, but I just want to warn people about the chemical that was used. They finally brought in an air quality person to check for contamination and then paid for someone to have the contaminated dirt removed. In the end, they did the right thing but it took a month and a half to do so and I was sick during the process.
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
Foundation Repair,
Basement Waterproofing,
Concrete Pouring and Repair,
General Remodeling,
Pavers and Hardscaping,
Concrete Driveways
FAQ
DOCHNAHL CONSTRUCTION INC is currently rated 4.9 overall out of 5.
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
DOCHNAHL CONSTRUCTION INC accepts the following forms of payment: Check
No, DOCHNAHL CONSTRUCTION INC does not offer free project estimates.
No, DOCHNAHL CONSTRUCTION INC does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, DOCHNAHL CONSTRUCTION INC does not offer a senior discount.
No, DOCHNAHL CONSTRUCTION INC does not offer emergency services.
No, DOCHNAHL CONSTRUCTION INC does not offer warranties.
DOCHNAHL CONSTRUCTION INC offers the following services: Dochnahl Construction does foundation repair, raising and leveling of setteling homes, foundations and basements under existing homes, basic framing when involved with other structural work, exterior drainage repair and new exterior drainage systems, helical anchors for retaining walls and retaining wall repair, structural and architectual concrete work.
We do not do slab jacking, concrete overlays or resurfacing, finish carpentry, interior repairs, landscaping, asphalt or black top.