Shades Mountain suburb
Vestavia Hills, about 39,000 people in Jefferson and Shelby counties, is one of the Over the Mountain suburbs south of Birmingham, built along Shades Mountain.
Homes perched on ridges often have basements or tall crawl spaces on the downhill side. Runoff and retaining walls are recurring issues. Foundation drainage is usually part of the plan.
Mid-century homes may need joist and pier work underneath.
Hillside lots
Wet soil is heavy. On a hillside, saturated clay leans on the uphill wall of a basement after long rain.
Small signs come first. Horizontal cracks, a bowing middle, or damp lines on the wall are worth an inspection.
Service area
Questions
Sometimes. Ask whether the contractor handles walls or refers that work.
Talk to a foundation crew that works Birmingham hills and valleys.
Takes under a minute
Talk to a foundation crew that works Birmingham hills and valleys.
