Ask Marty
Straight answers about what's going on under your house.
Straight answers about foundations, crawl spaces, water and concrete. These are the questions Marty gets asked at job sites, in driveways and over the phone — no scare tactics.
Foundation Cracks
Should I Worry About Cracks in My Brick?
Not every brick crack means foundation trouble. Here's how to tell the harmless ones from the ones that need a look — and why the pattern matters more than the size.
5 min read
Foundation Cracks
Does Every Foundation Crack Need Repair?
No — and anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something. A quick guide to which cracks need monitoring and which need money.
4 min read
Structural
Why Are My Floors Uneven?
A floor that dips, slopes or bounces is telling you something. Here are the most common causes in Middle Tennessee homes — and which ones are urgent.
5 min read
Structural
Why Does My Door Suddenly Stick?
A door that worked fine last summer and drags on the carpet now isn't a door problem. It's the house telling you something.
4 min read
Crawl Space
Is Water in My Crawl Space Normal?
Short answer: no. Longer answer: it's extremely common in Middle Tennessee, and it's doing more damage than most homeowners realize.
5 min read
Crawl Space
What Causes a Musty Crawl Space Smell?
That smell isn't just unpleasant — it's a sign of active moisture and likely microbial growth. Here's what's causing it and how to get rid of it properly.
4 min read
Waterproofing
Basement Water and Tennessee Clay
Why Middle Tennessee basements leak the way they do, and why the fix almost always starts outside the house.
5 min read
Concrete
Why Is My Concrete Driveway Sinking?
Concrete doesn't shrink or settle on its own — the ground beneath it does. Here's what's happening and why lifting usually beats replacing.
4 min read
Inspections
When Should I Have My Foundation Inspected?
A practical checklist of the moments when a foundation inspection is genuinely worth the time — and when it isn't.
4 min read
Local Knowledge
Tennessee Clay Soil and Your Foundation
The single biggest factor in Middle Tennessee foundation problems isn't construction quality. It's what's under the house.
5 min read
Buying & Selling
Buying a Home With Foundation Cracks
A crack in a house you're about to buy isn't automatically a dealbreaker. Here's how to think about it before you walk away or overpay.
5 min read
Costs
How Much Does Foundation Repair Cost in Middle Tennessee?
A realistic look at what drives the price of foundation work — and why any honest contractor will refuse to quote you over the phone.
5 min read
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