11 Best Foundation Companies in Vestavia Hills, AL

The total cost of 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. On average, Vestavia Hills homeowners spend about $3,359. The fastest way to find out how much a job is going to cost is to reach out to a local foundation repair expert and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

Click here for a more thorough breakdown of foundation repair costs in Alabama.

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 repair expert 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 problem.

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

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

Foundation repair usually requires a permit, but applying for one shouldn't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair company should obtain all of the permits and other documents required by the state of Vestavia Hills, and they should be able to provide the documents and/or explain the process before starting work.

Most of the time, your foundation repair expert will be licensed as a general contractor. General contractors in Alabama are required to hold a license if they work on projects that are worth more than $50,000. To obtain a license, a contractor must show proof of general liability insurance. Licensure is granted through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.

We caution against putting off foundation repairs. Minor issues 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 the signs are ignored.

Foundation repair, especially very involved repairs like basement waterproofing, should last a long time. This is especially true if you go with a reputable company. By solving systemic foundation issues, or reinforcing important areas, you lower the risk of future problems.