Foundation repair in Richardson, TX
Richardson's permit rules are some of the most specific nearby. Here they are, with what the city's housing looks like.
Richardson sits just south of Plano, about two-thirds in Dallas County and one-third in Collin County. It has its own foundation repair permit rules, and they're among the most specific we've read. Send the form or call (469) 409-4806 and a local contractor will follow up.
Richardson at a glance
| Population, 2020 census | 119,469 |
|---|---|
| Population estimate, July 2025 | 118,542 |
| Homes that are owner-occupied | 50.7% |
| Median value of an owner-occupied home | $431,400 |
| Counties | Dallas and Collin |
Older than its neighbors
Richardson grew early. It had 1,289 residents in 1950, 16,810 in 1960 and 48,405 in 1970, and reached 72,496 by 1980. Plano, by comparison, was still under 18,000 in 1970. Wikipedia notes that growth in the 1990s came mostly from development in the northeast part of the city. So Richardson has a large stock of homes from the 1950s through the 1970s, and newer ones in the northeast, by our reading of the census.
A house that old may have been repaired before. Ask for any repair records and warranty paperwork, especially if you're buying.
Richardson's permit rules
The City of Richardson says a permit is required for foundation repairs "consisting of four (4) or more piers." For a permitted repair the city asks for:
- A Residential Building Permit Application.
- An outline drawing showing the areas of proposed repair, and a report of items to be corrected with details of how the repair will be done.
- That report signed and sealed by a Texas licensed engineer.
All contractors must be registered with the City of Richardson, and the permit must be approved and posted at the property before work starts. The city's page doesn't say what applies to repairs with fewer than four piers, so ask before assuming none is needed.
Richardson Building Inspection: 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 550, Richardson, TX 75082; 972-744-4180; permits@cor.gov.
What it costs
An engineer-sealed report is part of a permitted repair here. HomeGuide lists structural engineer reports at $500 to $3,000 and underpinning with piers at $10,000 to $20,000 nationally. Ask whether the engineering and the permit are included in any quote. More in the cost guide.
Other cities we cover: Plano, Murphy, Wylie, Sachse. See all areas.
Sources
- City of Richardson: Foundation Repair permit requirements
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Richardson city, Texas
- Wikipedia: Richardson, Texas (historical census populations)
- HomeGuide: Foundation repair cost (published February 6, 2026)
Last checked October 6, 2026. Prices, rules and phone numbers change, so confirm with the source before you act.
Common questions
Do I need a permit for foundation repair in Richardson?
The City of Richardson requires a permit for foundation repairs consisting of four or more piers. Ask the city at 972-744-4180 what applies to smaller repairs.
Does Richardson require an engineer?
Yes, for permitted repairs. The city asks for an outline drawing and a report of the repair, signed and sealed by a Texas licensed engineer.
Does a contractor have to register in Richardson?
Yes. The city says all contractors must be registered to perform work in the City of Richardson.
Want a local contractor to look at it?
Send the form or call. We pass your request to a local foundation repair contractor. Homeowners never pay us.
If you reach voicemail, leave your name, number, property address and what you've noticed.