CASE STUDY
FOUNDATION REPAIR & CRAWL SPACE WATERPROOFING IN GRAND MARAIS, MN
A cabin owner in Grand Marais, MN, noticed their serene retreat was suffering from foundation settlement and crawl space moisture. We stepped in with a comprehensive solution to permanently stabilize the floors and keep the space completely dry.
In Grand Marais, MN, a cabin owner sought to ensure the longevity of their serene retreat, noticing signs of wear in their crawl space due to nature’s relentless pressure. To safeguard their beloved sanctuary, they turned to us. The journey commenced with the homeowner reaching out to our welcoming Customer Care team, leading to a thorough inspection by a System Design Specialist. They uncovered the intersection of time and nature’s impact: sagging floor joists beneath, compounded by pervasive moisture infiltration. Our solution? Combining SmartJack® for structural reinforcement and CleanSpace® liner for moisture management.
The proposed strategy encompassed the installation of IceGuard® and WaterGuard® for efficient water drainage, alongside CleanSpace® for moisture prevention, and SmartSump™ for water extraction. The installation process proceeded seamlessly, with our adept team initiating by fitting the WaterGuard® system along the basement perimeter to capture wall and floor seam leaks. Following this, the SmartSump™ sump pump system was installed, crucial for promptly directing any incoming water outside. IceGuard® was incorporated to prevent discharge line blockages, providing reassurance during freezing winters.
SmartJack® provided the necessary strength to arrest and reverse floor joist sagging, ensuring a steadfast foundation. CleanSpace® then enveloped the area in a protective shield, guarding against dampness, mold, and pests – fortifying the cabin against nature’s erosive forces. The execution was meticulous, courtesy of our proficient production team. Their meticulous efforts comprehensively addressed each issue, replacing uncertainty with stability and dryness.
The result transformed homeowner apprehension into tranquility, with the cabin’s foundation poised for many more years of cherished memories, all thanks to our comprehensive approach to crawl space repair.



Why do Minnesota Homeowners Choose
DBS Repair?
Foundation Repair
Homeowner Reviews
your neighbors are talking about us…
DBS Repair has been repairing foundations across
Minnesota and Wisconsin, from Duluth to Eau Claire,
for nearly 15 years! See what your neighbors have
been saying about DBS Repair’s
foundation repair services in their homes.
Stop the Damage, for Good.
What DBS Repair Uses to Stabilize Minnesota Foundations
Every Minnesota foundation problem has a permanent solution. DBS Repair uses proven, engineer-backed systems to stabilize, straighten, and restore homes from Duluth and St. Cloud to Brainerd, Baxter, Elk River, Sauk Rapids, and surrounding counties. And we back every repair with industry-leading, fully transferable warranties.

Foundation Piers:
The Permanent Fix for a Settling Foundation
The most reliable way to stop foundation settlement is to bypass weak soil entirely. DBS Repair installs steel foundation piers that transfer your home’s weight down to stable, load-bearing soil or bedrock, halting settlement permanently and often restoring the structure to its original level position.
Two pier systems we install:
What pier installation solves:
Crawl Space Support Jacks:
Permanent Support for Sagging Floors
Soft, bouncy, or uneven floors above a crawl space need an engineered solution. DBS Repair installs the SmartJack® System, a heavy-duty adjustable steel support post designed for long-term floor stability even in weak soils.
How SmartJack® installation works:
To protect your repair long-term, DBS Repair recommends:
Bowing Wall Repair:
Straighten and Stabilize Before It’s Too Late
A bowing foundation wall won’t fix itself. The longer it moves, the fewer options you have. DBS Repair installs proven, trusted systems to stop inward movement and restore wall strength.
Wall Anchor System
PowerBrace™ Wall System
✅ DBS Repair Tip: The earlier a bowing wall is addressed, the higher the chance of full straightening. Walls that have moved more than 2″ are harder and more costly to correct.
Sunken Slab Repair:
Lift and Level Without Full Replacement
A sinking concrete floor in a Minnesota home, garage, cabin, or lake property doesn’t always mean a full tear-out. DBS Repair uses two minimally invasive methods to lift, stabilize, and level settled slabs. Repairing concrete costs much less than the cost to replace concrete.
Slab Pier System
PolyLevel® Foam Injection
Got a Cabin, Lake Home, or Boat House in Minnesota? We Repair Those Too!
See What You Qualify For — It’s Free
Minnesota homeowners in Duluth, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Baxter, Elk River, Sauk Rapids, and nearby counties can apply on the spot during their in-home appointment. No obligation.
Find Your Service Area
Enter your ZIP code to see which service page is right for your area.



