11 Best Foundation Companies in Seattle, WA

On average, Seattle homeowners pay about $3,041 for foundation repair, although the actual cost will depend on several factors. The easiest way to get an estimate for the cost of your specific project is to ask for quotes from a handful of local foundation repair companies. Your total cost will be affected by things like the type of the repair(s) and the size of your house.

Types of foundation repair include leak repair, crack repair, stabilization, underpinning, and waterproofing.

For both leak repair and crack repair, a technician will come to your home, perform an inspection, and use various repair techniques to remedy leaks or cracks. The cost of these procedures can vary greatly depending on the size and root cause of the issue.

Stabilization reinforces bowing walls by inserting steel or carbon fiber strips. The amount you spend will depend on the material chosen and the number of strips needed. The cost of underpinning also varies. This process, sometimes referred to as leveling or piering, involves underpinning your foundation with concrete piers to level it; the cost depends on how many piers are needed.

If you're looking to waterproof your foundation or basement, we recommend talking to a waterproofing specialist. This process can include outdoor waterproofing, indoor waterproofing, or both.

If you're building a new home, make sure that a soil report is completed. This report contains information about how well the soil on a given piece of land can support a foundation, and can give you a heads-up about potential future problems. If you have concerns about an existing house, a few hundred dollars will cover an inspection and report by a structural engineer. The engineer can alert you to any things that need attention, and give you advice on avoiding future problems.

It's also important that the moisture around your foundation is appropriate. As Seattle sees more rain than many other places, keep an eye on your gutters and landscaping to make sure too much water isn't getting into your soil or foundation. Also, be on the lookout for leaky gutters or pipes, so you can get them repaired promptly.

Your foundation repair professional should be the one obtaining the permits. You can ask the company to provide a detailed explanation of the steps in its process and to see the permits and paperwork it has assembled to make sure everything is properly authorized per Seattle regulations.

It's smart to talk to your foundation repair professional about your concerns before starting any project. In most cases, yes, you and your family will be able to remain in your home while foundation work is being done.

In general, foundation repairs will have a positive effect on your home's value. In some cases, foundation repairs may be considered a capital improvement, which might allow you to qualify for tax breaks. Generally, a capital improvement is defined as one that will add to your house's overall market value, prolong its life, or adapt it to new uses. Speak with your Washington tax professional for more information.