11 Best Foundation Companies in Tuscaloosa, AL

On average, Tuscaloosa homeowners spend around $1,865 on foundation repair. The amount you'll spend on foundation repair will vary greatly depending on a number of factors. Things like the type of repair needed, the size of your home, and the extent of the damage will all factor in. The best way to learn how much a job might cost is to reach out to a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

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

Crack repair and leak repair are exactly as they sound: your foundation contractor will perform an inspection and take necessary measures to remedy cracks or leaks. The price will vary based on the size and cause of the issue.

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 required. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process fixes bowing walls by reinforcing them with carbon fiber or steel strips, and the cost will depend on what material is used and how many strips are used.

Lastly, waterproofing is an overarching term for a category of repairs designed to stop water from getting into your foundation. This can include exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and the price can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're interested in waterproofing your foundation.

If you're building a new home, have a soil report completed. A soil report will contain information regarding how well your soil can support a foundation, and can provide you with 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 point you to any current problems that need attention, and advise you on how to avoid future problems.

It's also important that the moisture around your foundation is at an appropriate level, particularly when the weather gets hot. As Tuscaloosa 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 quickly.

Foundation repair usually requires a permit, but getting one shouldn't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair provider should get the permit and all other documents required in Tuscaloosa, and should be able to provide the documents and/or explain the process before starting work.

You may be able to handle small hairline cracks on your own, but in general, it's a good idea to consult a professional before beginning any kind 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 cost you much more down the line.

We recommend that you do not put off foundation repairs. Minor issues may have an underlying cause that could potentially result in future problems, and it's best to treat the root of the issue as fast as possible. A small and moderately costly problem now could turn into a large and very expensive one in the future if left untreated.