Foundation Repair in St. George, UT

Connect with local trade pros serving St. George and the rest of Washington County.

Foundations in St. George

Foundation problems in St. George usually come from the soil. Several kinds of problem soil are common in the area, and most of them react to water.

Collapsible soil

The Utah Geological Survey says collapsible soils are common in the St. George–Hurricane area, chiefly young debris-flow sediments on alluvial fans. Strong and stiff when dry, they can settle up to 10 percent of the deposit's thickness when wetted for the first time, damaging structures. A house can sit on such soil for years without trouble until a broken pipe, overwatered landscaping or a downspout soaks the ground. Then part of the foundation drops.

Water is the trigger

In January 2005, flooding along the Santa Clara River in St. George caused damage to homes estimated at $300 million. Floods are the dramatic case, but everyday water does more foundation damage: irrigation next to the house, leaking water and sewer lines, and downspouts emptying at the foundation. Before structural repairs, have drainage and irrigation looked at, and ask a plumber to test for leaks under the slab if cracks appeared suddenly.

Diagnosis

Ask the contractor to explain what they think is moving, why, and how they'll measure it. A floor elevation survey shows where the house has settled. For significant movement, ask whether a geotechnical engineer should evaluate the soil, and whether your home's original soils report can be found.

Repair methods

Piers can be driven or drilled to deeper soil or rock, and some soils can be treated. The right method depends on the soil type. Ask why the contractor chose their method, what the piers will bear on and how deep they'll go, and what the warranty covers.

Utah's license

Utah law exempts alteration and repair work under $7,000 from contractor licensing; foundation repairs usually cost more. Ask for the contractor's Utah license from the Division of Professional Licensing, and check it before you sign.

Local facts behind this page

The Utah Geological Survey says collapsible soils are common in the St. George–Hurricane area, chiefly young debris-flow sediments on alluvial fans; strong and stiff when dry, they can settle up to 10 percent of the deposit's thickness when wetted for the first time, damaging structures. Source: Utah Geological Survey, Special Study 127, Collapsible Soil map plate
The Utah Geological Survey's hazard maps for the St. George–Hurricane area cover expansive soil and rock, collapsible soil, gypsiferous soil and rock, caliche, shallow bedrock, wind-blown sand, breccia pipes and paleokarst, soil piping and erosion, and shallow groundwater. The survey describes the area as one of Utah's fastest-growing regions for more than two decades, and notes that as land well suited for development grows scarce, building has moved into less favorable areas. Source: Utah Geological Survey, Geologic-Hazard and Adverse-Construction-Condition Maps for the St. George–Hurricane Area
In January 2005, a rain-on-snow event from a stalled storm caused severe flooding along the Santa Clara River in St. George, with damage to homes in the area estimated at $300 million; afterward the city began work to join FEMA's Community Rating System for floodplain management. Source: Utah Division of Emergency Management, Flood Hazard
Utah law exempts alteration, repair and remodeling work with a contracted value under $7,000, labor and materials included, from contractor licensing; even on those jobs, work on a plumbing or electrical system must be done by an electrical or plumbing contractor holding a Utah license. Source: Utah Code 58-55-305 (version effective May 7, 2025)

Sources checked 2026-10-26. Codes, rebates and standards change; the contractor you hire and your local building department have the final word on what applies to your property.

Before you hire in Washington County

Get Foundation Pros doesn't check contractors' credentials for you, so do it yourself before you sign anything: look the contractor up with DOPL's license lookup, and for plumbing or electrical work check that trade's license too. The Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) lookup is free: Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL).

Get the scope, price and timeline in writing before work starts.
Ask who pulls any required permit, and whether an inspection is part of the job.
Ask for proof of insurance and for references from recent local jobs, and call them.