Inspiration
As a homeowner who faced unexpected $15k foundation repair bills, I saw a gap—many homeowners lack clear, accessible tools to spot issues early. I wanted to create something that demystifies foundation checks and saves people from costly surprises.
What it does
This free web tool lets homeowners self-inspect their foundation with an interactive checklist, get a severity rating (minor/moderate/severe), estimate repair costs based on home size/type, and find licensed local contractors—plus access maintenance tips to prevent damage.
How we built it
We started with user research to map homeowner pain points, then designed a linear yet flexible navigation flow (Home → Checklist → Assessment → Cost Estimator → Contractors). We built the front end with React/Bootstrap for responsiveness, integrated geolocation via Google Maps API, and used PostgreSQL to store contractor and cost data.
Challenges we ran into
Calibrating the severity scoring system to be accurate but simple was tough—we tested 10+ point-weighting models to balance precision and user-friendliness. Also, ensuring geolocation worked seamlessly (even when users denied location access) required building a fallback zip code entry system.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
The tool delivers a complete inspection flow in under 3 minutes, with 100% responsive design across all devices. We’re proud it makes complex foundation info accessible to non-experts—no jargon, just clear guidance.
What we learned
We learned how to translate technical construction data into intuitive user experiences, and the importance of edge-case handling (e.g., no local contractors found). We also gained insight into regional cost variations across the US, refining our cost estimator to reflect real local pricing.
What's next for this project
We plan to expand maintenance content to include regional climate-specific tips (e.g., freeze-thaw care for northern states), add a contractor review system, and integrate real-time cost data to keep estimates updated with market changes.
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