1. Observe and protect
Document what's showing up at the Charleston property -- crack width, where doors or windows are sticking, any water intrusion -- and hold off on anything that would erase evidence before it's recorded.
2. Evaluate the house and site
Pluff mud compresses under sustained load in a way that keeps giving years after construction, so a Charleston evaluation needs to account for ongoing settlement, not just the damage visible today.
3. Define a written scope
Nail down the Charleston scope in writing: what's being protected during work, materials, how the crew gets in and out, permitting (including historic review if it applies), testing, cleanup, and how changes to the plan get priced.
4. Compare providers
When comparing Charleston bids, read past the bottom-line number to what each one is actually assuming about the cause and the fix -- that's usually where the real differences show up.
5. Inspect closeout
Closing out a Charleston project means confirming test results, a clean site, documentation of what was done, the warranty terms, and clarity on what maintenance is left to the homeowner.