11 Best Foundation Companies in Chelsea, AL

On average, Chelsea homeowners spend about $3,233 on foundation repair. The cost of foundation repair will vary greatly depending on several factors. Things like the size of your home, the extent of the damage, and the type of repair needed will all factor in. The best way to learn how much a job is going to cost is to talk to a local foundation repair expert and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

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

Crack repair and leak repair are what they sound like: your foundation repair expert will perform an inspection and take necessary measures to remedy cracks or leaks. The price will depend on the size and cause of the issue.

Underpinning, also called leveling or piering, 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 fixes bowing walls by reinforcing them with carbon fiber or steel strips. The total cost will depend on what material is used and how many strips are used.

Finally, waterproofing is an overarching term for a number of jobs intended to stop water from getting into your foundation. This can include interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary widely. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're interested in waterproofing your foundation.

One way to protect your foundation is to make sure it has the proper level of moisture, especially in hot weather. Chelsea 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. You should also be sure to promptly identify and repair any leaking gutters or pipes.

If you have any concerns about your foundation, you can reach out to a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will cost a few hundred dollars, but the engineer's consultation can net you a list of things to be aware of as well as more ideas to help you further protect your foundation. Lastly, if you're building a new house, make sure that you have a soil report done. This report provides information about how well the soil on your property can support a foundation and highlights any potential future problems.

Permits are needed for most foundation repairs, but acquiring one should not be your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should obtain all the permits and other documents required in Chelsea, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents before starting work.

Small hairline cracks might seem easy to handle yourself, but in most cases, it's a good idea to consult a professional before you begin any sort of foundation maintenance. Although you may balk at the idea of paying someone for a job you feel you can handle yourself, foundation repair mistakes can be even more costly in the future.

We caution against putting off foundation repairs. A seemingly small issue may have an underlying cause that could potentially result in future problems, and it's better to get ahead of the issue as soon as possible. A small and moderately costly problem now could turn into a large and very expensive one in the future if left untreated.