Foundation Repair Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A faulty foundation can be dangerous, unsafe, and greatly decrease the value of your home or commercial structure. Additionally, cracking, bowing, and leaking in basement walls and floors can lead to bigger, costlier problems. Being proactive in seeking repair work will likely save a good deal of money in the long run.

While obvious cracking, tipping, and sinking are clear indicators of a weakened foundation in need of stabilization, a host of other symptoms could mean that your basement structure is failing. They are:

• Chipping concrete
• Gaps at tops or bottoms of walls
• Uneven, bouncy or sagging floors
• Windows out of square
• Popped out nails
• Plumbing leaks
• Misaligned doors or windows
• Cracks in drywall
• Gapping around the chimney
• Tipping chimney
• Cracks in flooring
• Doors that stick and are difficult to open and close
• Displaced moldings

The best thing you can do in the case of foundation issues is to seek assistance from a local repair contractor that is fully licensed and insured. Almost all legitimate contractors provide free on-site assessments and quotes if are the owner. If repairs are needed, shop around by calling three of four contractors for their opinion.

Most foundation repair companies deliver free inspections and estimates when repairs are necessary. If you are looking to purchase a home or other property and are not the owner, a contractor may charge an inspection fee that will be deducted from repair costs if you choose that contractor for the project. We suggest calling three or four companies to evaluate your structure.

The best repair method largely depends on the type and scope of the damage. A bowing wall might require a different means of repair than that done to a foundation that is sinking in soil. Some damage might only require patchwork or epoxy injections while others may require that new wall be constructed. This is determined during a thorough inspection of the property.

Rarely. Most foundation problems can be addressed through less costly alternative means. In most cases, cases of foundation bowing, cracking and leaking are confined to one wall of the basement or even a smaller area.

Foundation repairs range from hundreds of dollars to several thousand. Cost is dependent on the work needed to fully restore the foundation and support it with long-lasting stabilization. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and estimate.