7 Best Foundation Companies in Andalusia, AL

On average, Andalusia homeowners spend roughly $2,749 on foundation repair. The total cost of foundation repair is based on a number of factors. Things like the size of your home, the type of repair needed, and the extent of the damage will all help determine the cost. The fastest way to determine how much a job might cost is to talk to a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

The main types of foundation repair include crack repair, leak repair, underpinning, stabilization, and waterproofing.

Crack repair and leak repair are what they sound like: your foundation contractor will perform an inspection and complete any repairs necessary to remedy cracks or leaks. The price will vary depending on the size and cause of the problem.

Underpinning, also called piering or leveling, is the process of leveling your foundation by underpinning it with large concrete piers. The amount you can expect to spend depends on how many piers are needed. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process involves fixing bowing walls by reinforcing them with steel or carbon fiber strips. The total cost will depend on what material is used and how many strips are used.

Lastly, waterproofing is an overarching term for a number of jobs designed to prevent water from getting into your foundation. This can involve exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and the price can vary widely. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you think your foundation needs waterproofing.

When caring for your foundation, you should make sure it gets the right amount of moisture, especially in hot weather. Andalusia sees more rain than many places, so be sure that your gutters and landscaping are arranged to prevent too much water from collecting near your foundation. Additionally, be sure to promptly identify and fix any leaking gutters or pipes.

If you think there may be any problems with your foundation, you can contact a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will run you a few hundred dollars, but the engineer's consultation can net you a list of potential concerns as well as additional steps to further protect your foundation. Finally, if you're building a new home, make sure to have a soil report done. This report provides information regarding how well the soil on your property will be able to support a foundation and highlights any potential future problems.

Your foundation repair provider should be the one obtaining the permits. You can request that the company 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 Andalusia regulations.

Some signs that your foundation needs waterproofing include discoloration or odors, hairline cracks, uneven floors, basement flooding, white powder or spots on your walls, or signs of mold, mildew, or fungus. Your contractor can tell you whether you need interior or exterior waterproofing.

Interior waterproofing can involve the installation of sump pumps and drains or the use of sealants and generally is less expensive than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing can involve things like applying physical barriers to crawl spaces and basements, making landscape changes, or installing exterior drains.

Foundation repairs can sometimes, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they meet the criteria of an improvement that will add to a home's overall value, prolong its life, or adapt it to new uses. Making capital improvements sometimes lets you qualify for tax breaks. (Contact your Alabama tax professional for more information.) This aside, foundation repairs will generally have a positive effect on the value of your home.