The Uncomfortable Truth About Warranties
A warranty is only as good as the company standing behind it. That's not a slogan — it's a fact that hundreds of DFW homeowners learned the hard way when Perma-Pier Foundation Repair closed its doors on May 4, 2026.
"Lifetime transferable warranty" sounds bulletproof. But what does it actually mean? What's covered? What voids it? Can you transfer it when you sell? And what happens when the company disappears? After 25+ years of backing every pier we install with a lifetime transferable warranty, here's everything we've learned — and everything you need to know.
What "Lifetime Transferable" Actually Means
Let's break down the three words:
⏳ "Lifetime"
Means the warranty lasts for the lifetime of the home, not the homeowner. The coverage doesn't expire after 10, 20, or 30 years. As long as the home stands and the company exists, the warranty is in effect.
🔄 "Transferable"
Means the warranty can be passed to a new owner when the property is sold. This is a major selling point — the next buyer inherits your warranty coverage. However, transfer is not automatic. There is typically a formal transfer process that must be completed within a specific timeframe (30-90 days is common).
🛡️ "Warranty"
Means the company guarantees the work. If a pier fails, they fix it. But what exactly "fails" means, what's covered, and what's excluded varies by company. Read the fine print.
IFR's warranty: Lifetime transferable warranty on all pier work. The warranty stays with the home, not the homeowner. To transfer, contact IFR to complete the transfer process. No transfer fee.
What's Typically Covered — and What's Not
✅ Usually Covered
- • Pier failure (pier sinks, shifts, or doesn't support the foundation)
- • Labor to repair or replace failed piers
- • Materials for the repair
- • Re-leveling the foundation at the repair location
❌ Usually NOT Covered
- • Drywall cracks, tile damage, or cosmetic issues
- • Door and window frame damage
- • Damage from new foundation movement in unrepaired areas
- • Damage from plumbing leaks or poor drainage
- • Damage from natural disasters
- • Issues caused by remodeling or construction after the repair
Important: The ASCE Texas Section guidelines note that "perfection is not attainable for remedial measures." This means future foundation movement is possible even after a proper repair — and that movement may not be covered by your warranty if it's caused by factors outside the original repair area.
What Voids a Foundation Warranty
The ASCE Texas Section guidelines identify several factors that can cause new foundation movement independent of prior repairs. These same factors often void warranty coverage:
Plumbing Leaks
Water from leaking pipes beneath or near the foundation causes localized clay soil swelling. This creates new movement that the original repair wasn't designed to address. Most warranties specifically exclude damage from plumbing leaks.
Poor Drainage
Water pooling near the foundation, inadequate slope away from the home, or missing gutters/downspouts. The ASCE guidelines recommend minimum 5% slope away from the foundation for the first 5 feet.
Soil Moisture Neglect
Failing to maintain consistent soil moisture during drought periods. The ASCE guidelines recommend conscientious watering programs to maintain uniform soil moisture near the foundation.
Post-Repair Construction
Room additions, remodeling, or heavy construction that alters the load on the foundation or disturbs the repaired area.
Tree Root Invasion
New trees planted too close to the foundation, or existing trees whose roots extend under the foundation, extracting moisture from clay soil and causing settlement.
How to Transfer Your Warranty When Selling
A transferable warranty is a selling point for your home — but only if you actually transfer it. Here's the process:
Contact IFR Before Closing
Call 817-561-6500 at least 2 weeks before your closing date. Tell us you're selling and need to transfer the warranty. We'll verify your warranty status and prepare the transfer documentation.
Request a Warranty Status Letter
We'll provide a formal letter confirming your warranty is active, what it covers, and that it's transferable. Give this to your buyer and their title company.
Complete the Transfer
After closing, the new homeowner contacts IFR to complete the transfer. This must happen within the specified timeframe (check your warranty document for the exact window).
Keep Your Documentation
Original contract, receipts, inspection reports, and the warranty document should be passed to the new owner. These are their proof of coverage.
The Perma-Pier Lesson: Company Longevity Is the Real Warranty
What happened:
On May 4, 2026, Perma-Pier Foundation Repair — one of the largest foundation repair companies in DFW — closed its doors permanently. Employees arrived to locked doors. Phones went unanswered within days. Hundreds of homeowners who had been told they had a "lifetime warranty" suddenly had nobody to call.
Customers who paid deposits for scheduled work were left stranded. Homeowners with active warranty claims had no recourse. The "lifetime warranty" was only as strong as the company behind it — and the company was gone.
The lesson:
A warranty is a promise. The value of that promise depends entirely on whether the company making it will be around to keep it. When choosing a foundation repair contractor, the company's track record, financial stability, and longevity matter as much as the warranty terms.
10 Questions to Ask Before Signing a Foundation Warranty
- 1. Is the warranty lifetime or limited to a specific number of years?
- 2. Is it transferable to a new homeowner? Is there a transfer fee?
- 3. What exactly does it cover — piers only, or also damage to the home?
- 4. What specifically voids the warranty?
- 5. How long has the company been in business?
- 6. Is the company BBB accredited? What's their rating?
- 7. Can I get a copy of the warranty document before signing?
- 8. What happens if the company goes out of business?
- 9. Is there a process for filing a warranty claim? How does it work?
- 10. Does the warranty require annual inspections or maintenance to stay valid?
Why IFR's Warranty Is Different
⏳ 25+ Years and Counting
IFR has been serving DFW since 2000. We've been through recessions, pandemics, and a Chapter 11 reorganization. We didn't close. We're still here, still honoring warranties, still answering the phone.
🏆 BBB Torch Award
BBB Torch Award for Ethics winner. This isn't just a rating — it's recognition of our commitment to honest business practices and standing behind our work.
⭐ 4.7 Stars, 440+ Reviews
Verified Google reviews from DFW homeowners. We earn our reputation one job at a time — and we keep it by being here when they need us.
🎖️ Veteran-Owned
We even honor warranties from Perma-Pier for veterans through our Veteran Warranty Pickup Program. That's how seriously we take the concept of standing behind your word.
Have Questions About Your Warranty?
Whether it's an IFR warranty or one from a company that closed, we'll give you honest answers. Free inspection, no pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'lifetime transferable warranty' mean for foundation repair?
A lifetime transferable warranty lasts for the lifetime of the home, not the homeowner, and can be transferred to a new owner when the property is sold. IFR offers a lifetime transferable warranty on all pier work — the warranty stays with the home.
How do I transfer a foundation repair warranty when selling?
Contact the repair company and request a warranty transfer. Most require a formal process within 30-90 days of the sale. IFR recommends requesting a warranty status letter during transactions. Keep original contracts and receipts as documentation.
What can void a foundation repair warranty?
Plumbing leaks, poor drainage, soil moisture neglect, post-repair construction, and tree root invasion can all void warranties. ASCE Texas Section guidelines note these factors cause new movement independent of prior repairs. Always read your specific warranty terms.
Is a foundation warranty worthless if the company goes out of business?
In most cases, yes. Foundation warranties are provided by the contractor, not a third-party insurer. When Perma-Pier closed in May 2026, hundreds of homeowners lost warranty coverage. This is why choosing a company with 25+ years of stability, like IFR, is critical.
What is the difference between a warranty covering piers vs. covering damage?
Most warranties cover only the piers themselves — if a pier fails, the company repairs or replaces it. They typically don't cover damage to the home like drywall cracks or tile damage. Some premium warranties include limited damage coverage. Read your warranty carefully.
Does IFR honor warranties from other companies?
IFR's Veteran Warranty Pickup Program honors Perma-Pier warranties at no charge for veterans. For non-veterans, IFR offers free inspections to assess any previous repair. If new work is needed, IFR provides a repair estimate with a lifetime transferable warranty on the new work.
What happened to Perma-Pier warranties when the company closed?
When Perma-Pier closed permanently on May 4, 2026, all warranty coverage effectively ended. The company is no longer answering phones and there is no one to honor claims. IFR's Veteran Warranty Pickup Program was created to help veterans affected by the closure.
How do I check if my foundation warranty is still valid?
Contact the company that performed the repair and request a warranty status letter. Verify the company is still in business via BBB, website, and phone. If the company has closed, your warranty may be void. IFR offers free inspections to assess previous repairs — call 817-561-6500.
What should I ask before signing a foundation repair warranty?
Ask: Is it lifetime or limited? Is it transferable? What's covered (piers vs. damage)? What voids it? Is there a transfer fee? How long has the company been in business? Is it BBB accredited? What happens if the company closes? Can I get a copy before signing?
How long should a foundation repair warranty last?
Reputable companies offer warranties from 10 years to lifetime. IFR offers a lifetime transferable warranty on all pier work. ASCE Texas Section does not issue warranty recommendations — warranties come from the contractor. Check transferability, coverage, and company longevity.
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Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes by IFR Foundation Repair. Warranty terms vary by company. Always read your specific warranty document for exact coverage, exclusions, and transfer requirements. References to ASCE Texas Section guidelines are based on the "Guidelines for the Evaluation and Repair of Residential Foundations" (Version 3, April 2022), which are guidelines — not standards. IFR is not affiliated with Perma-Pier Foundation Repair.