1. Observe and protect
Document symptoms, limit further damage where it is safe to do so, and collect relevant history.
2. Evaluate the house and site
Cracks and sticking doors are clues, not diagnoses. Tennessee's foundation risk comes from two directions -- East Tennessee's karst limestone bedrock, prone to sinkholes and irregular drainage, and Middle Tennessee's expansive Nashville Basin clays, which shift with the seasons -- and a sound repair plan starts with figuring out which one (or both) applies to a given house.
3. Define a written scope
Clarify preparation, protection, materials, access, permits, testing, cleanup, finish restoration, exclusions, and change-order rules.
4. Compare providers
Verify credentials and compare the reasoning and boundaries behind each proposal, not only the total.
5. Inspect closeout
Confirm testing, cleanup, documentation, warranties, and remaining maintenance responsibilities.