Dalinghaus: 2025 Residential Project of the Year Finalist

Hillside Foundation Stabilization in San Clemente, CA

Turning a $1.36M Purchase into a $2.249M Listing with Helical Piles

When investors purchased a hillside home in San Clemente, California, in March 2024 for $1.36 million, they knew one thing immediately: before any remodeling could begin, the foundation had to be stabilized. The property, perched above a golf course in a neighborhood well known for settlement and lateral soil movement, showed visible signs of distress that demanded a comprehensive, engineered solution.

That’s where Dalinghaus Construction stepped in—delivering a foundation repair strategy that not only stabilized the structure but also unlocked significant new value and livable space.

The Challenge: Severe Settlement and Lateral Movement

An initial foundation evaluation revealed over 11 inches of settlement on the portion of the home closest to the slope. In addition to vertical settlement, the structure was also experiencing lateral movement, a common issue for hillside properties in coastal Southern California.

The investors also had a vision beyond repair. They wanted to expand the usable living area by adding a deck that would nearly double the backyard space—an upgrade that required new construction support built directly into the slope.

To move forward safely, the repair plan needed to:

• Stabilize the existing foundation
• Address ongoing lateral soil pressures
• Support new construction loads for a deck
• Provide long-term performance in a challenging hillside environment

The Solution: Engineered Helical Pile and Tieback System

Dalinghaus Construction worked closely with Engineering Services & Design of Southern California to develop a repair plan tailored to the site conditions and project goals.

Foundation Repair & Stabilization Scope

The final design included:

• 35 helical piles installed along the existing foundation
• 8 helical tiebacks to counteract lateral movement
• 8 new construction helical piles installed into the slope to support a new deck

In total, the project utilized 43 vertical helical piles, combining foundation stabilization with new construction support.

These helical systems were selected for their ability to:

• Reach deep, load-bearing soils
• Perform reliably in limited-access hillside conditions
• Provide immediate load transfer
• Minimize disruption to the existing structure

Installation Process: Precision in a Challenging Hillside Environment

The Dalinghaus crew began by carefully marking each helical pile location, followed by hand excavations and footing preparation to ensure accurate placement.

The helical piles advanced smoothly through the soils before reaching competent, load-bearing strata at an average depth of approximately 40 feet below grade. This depth ensured the foundation loads were transferred well beyond unstable surface soils.

This wasn’t the first project in this San Clemente neighborhood for the Dalinghaus team. Their prior experience with similar hillside conditions meant the crew knew exactly what to expect before installation even began—helping the project stay efficient and on track.

Installation Team

This Project of the Year was completed by Dalinghaus Construction’s experienced installation crew:

• Ryan Reyes
• Jose
• Sergio
• Blake

The Result: Stabilization, Expansion, and Major ROI

The foundation repair investment totaled $140,000, a critical step that made the entire remodel possible.

After completing the foundation stabilization and remodeling work, the home was listed on the market for $2.249 million—demonstrating how strategic foundation repair can dramatically increase property value, especially in high-demand coastal markets.

Beyond stabilization, the addition of new construction helical piles allowed for a deck that nearly doubled the backyard’s functional living space, transforming the property from a risk into a standout investment.

Why Helical Piles Are Ideal for Hillside Foundation Repair

Projects like this highlight why helical piles and tiebacks are a preferred solution for hillside foundation repair:

• Excellent performance in settling and sliding soils
• Ideal for tight-access and slope conditions
• Engineered capacity with predictable results
• Suitable for both existing structures and new construction

For contractors and engineers working in hillside environments, helical systems provide flexibility without sacrificing long-term stability.

Project Spotlight: Dalinghaus Construction

This San Clemente hillside repair stands out as a Project of the Year example—showcasing how collaboration between investors, engineers, and experienced installers can turn a structurally compromised property into a high-value asset.

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