11 Best Foundation Companies in Fairfield, AL

On average, Fairfield homeowners spend about $2,750 on foundation repair. The amount you'll spend on foundation repair depends on several factors. Things like the extent of the damage, the type of repair needed, and the size of your home will all factor in. The easiest way to determine how much a job could cost is to contact 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 complete any repairs necessary to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs will vary depending on the size and cause of the problem.

Underpinning, also called leveling or piering, is when a contractor levels your foundation by underpinning it with large concrete piers. The cost will depend on how many piers are used. The price of stabilization varies similarly. This process fixes bowing walls by reinforcing them with carbon fiber or steel strips. The total cost will depend on the material and how many strips are used.

Lastly, waterproofing is an overarching term for a category of repairs that help prevent water from getting into your foundation. This can involve exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and the price can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you think your foundation needs waterproofing.

To protect your foundation, you should make sure that it gets the proper level of moisture, especially in hot weather. Fairfield 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, make sure that you promptly identify and repair any leaking pipes or gutters.

If you have any concerns about your foundation, you can contact a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will run you a few hundred dollars, but the consultation can net you a list of things to look out for as well as more ideas to help you further protect your foundation. Lastly, if you're constructing a new house, be sure that you have a soil report done. This can provide information regarding how well the soil on your property will be able to support a foundation, and can highlight potential future problems.

Foundation repair usually requires a permit, but obtaining one should not be your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should obtain the permit and all other documents required in Fairfield, and should be able to provide the documents and/or explain the process if asked.

Small hairline cracks might seem easy to take care of yourself, but in most cases, you should at least consult a professional before beginning any foundation work. While you may not want to pay someone for a task you feel like you can handle yourself, foundation repair mistakes can cost you much more down the line.

Sometimes, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they meet the criteria of an improvement that adds to a home's overall market value, prolongs its life, or adapts it to new uses. In some cases, making capital improvements helps you qualify for tax breaks. (Talk to your Alabama tax professional for the most accurate information.) This aside, foundation repairs will, in most cases, positively affect your home's value.