Question 1

How much does foundation repair cost in Arkansas?

Accepted Answer

Cost depends on foundation type, pier count, soil conditions, access, and drainage scope. Minor slab leveling can be a few thousand dollars; full underpinning can reach the tens of thousands. AFW provides a clear, engineering-scoped quote — no high-pressure pricing. See our full breakdown on the foundation repair cost page. // LEGAL REVIEW: confirm any pricing language.

Question 2

Is a foundation warranty transferable when I sell my house?

Accepted Answer

Yes. AFW policies are bound to the property, not the original homeowner or contractor. They transfer to the new owner at closing with no re-inspection fee, subject to the terms and conditions of the issued policy.

Question 3

Why do foundation warranties get voided at closing?

Accepted Answer

Most contractor 'lifetime guarantees' are tied to the contractor and tied to the original owner. Many include language that voids the guarantee on sale, or require a re-inspection fee at transfer. A dedicated warranty entity issuing a property-bound policy avoids both problems.

Question 4

Does homeowners insurance cover foundation settlement?

Accepted Answer

Typically no. Standard homeowners policies exclude settlement, soil movement, and gradual foundation damage. That gap — the largest single repair exposure most homes face — is exactly what a foundation warranty is built to address.

Question 5

What are the first signs of foundation problems?

Accepted Answer

Stair-step or diagonal cracks in brick and drywall, sticking doors and windows, sloping or uneven floors, gaps at baseboards and crown molding, bowing walls, and sagging crawl-space joists. See the full guide on our signs of foundation problems page.

Question 6

What is the difference between a 'guarantee' and a real warranty?

Accepted Answer

A guarantee is generally a contractor service promise tied to that company's continued existence. A warranty issued by a dedicated warranty entity is a separately structured product bound to the property — it does not vanish when the contractor changes, subject to the terms and conditions of the issued policy.

Question 7

What kinds of foundations qualify?

Accepted Answer

Slab-on-grade and crawl-space (pier-and-beam) residential foundations are the most common. Commercial properties are evaluated case-by-case. A baseline inspection determines eligibility.

Question 8

Does AFW cover settlement caused by drought or soil shift?

Accepted Answer

Yes — structural settlement caused by soil movement is exactly what AFW is designed to cover under policy terms, where standard contractor 'service guarantees' typically exclude these mechanisms as 'acts of God.'

Question 9

Do I have to use Precision Foundation Specialist for the work?

Accepted Answer

PFS performs most certified work because of the integrated engineering-and-remediation model, but AFW can certify qualifying completed work from other reputable contractors on a case-by-case basis.

Question 10

What does the certification inspection cost?

Accepted Answer

Initial property assessments are free and no-obligation. Engineering baseline, policy underwriting, and issuance pricing depend on property size, foundation type, and scope. We provide a clear quote before any work begins.

Question 11

How long does the warranty last?

Accepted Answer

Coverage duration is set in the issued policy — typically structured for the long-term protection of the property and transferable to subsequent owners. Specifics are documented in your policy.

Question 12

What happens if I file a claim?

Accepted Answer

Claims are filed directly with AFW and reviewed against the engineering baseline. Approved claims trigger remediation work performed by qualified crews per policy scope.

Question 13

Is AFW an insurance company?

Accepted Answer

No. Arkansas Foundation Warranty LLC is a specialized warranty provider, not an insurer. Coverage is contractual, defined by the terms of each issued policy.

Question 14

What service area does AFW cover?

Accepted Answer

Northwest Arkansas — including Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, West Fork, Bella Vista, Centerton, Cave Springs, Lowell, Siloam Springs, and Prairie Grove — plus other parts of Arkansas on a project basis.

Questions worth asking — before you trust a "guarantee."

Talk to a certification specialist.