10 Common Questions From A Construction Consultant In Oakland, CA Over the course of the next few months we'll be answering 10 of the most common questions that we get.  We hope this helps to answer some of the questions that you may have.  When we have finished this 10 part series we are going to add additional common questions as we receive them and eventually have a Frequently Asked Questions page with all the possible questions you may have.  If you have a question that hasn't  yet been answered or have a question that is not listed, please contact us and we'll answer your question as well as add it to our list.  Thanks for your help! 1) Drainage - What's the right solution for me? 2) Foundation Cracks - Are they significant? (1/4 inch or more) 3) Horizontal crack along the top of the foundation - What does it mean when I see a horizontal crack a few inches above the soil along the perimeter of the foundation? 4) Cracks in plaster walls - What do cracks near the upper portions of doors or windows indicate? 5) Doors do not close properly - What does it mean when my doors won't close properly during certain times of the year? 6) Settlement - How do I determine the right procedure to correct settlement issues? 7) White powder on concrete - If a white chalky substance appears on my concrete, should I be concerned? 8) Downspouts - Should they be connected? 9) Water intrusion - How do you go about detecting where water is coming in from? 10) Seismic Retrofitting - Do I need it?