8 Best Foundation Companies in Fort Smith, AR

On average, Fort Smith homeowners spend around $2,786 on foundation repair. The amount you'll spend on foundation repair depends on several factors. Things like the type of repair needed, the extent of the damage, and the size of your home will all factor in. The best way to learn how much a job is going to 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 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 leveling or piering, is when a contractor levels your foundation by underpinning it with large concrete piers. The amount you can expect to spend depends on how many piers are used. The price of stabilization varies similarly. This process fixes bowing walls by reinforcing them with steel or carbon fiber strips, and the total cost will depend on what material is used and how many strips are used.

Finally, 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.

To protect your foundation, you should make sure that it gets the right amount of moisture, especially in hot weather. Fort Smith 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 quickly identify and fix any leaking pipes or gutters.

If you think there may be any problems with your foundation, you can call 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 be aware of as well as more ideas to help you further protect your foundation. Finally, if you're building a new house, be sure to have a soil report done. This can provide information regarding how well the soil on your property can support a foundation, and can highlight potential future issues.

Your foundation repair provider should acquire the needed permits. You can request that the company provide a detailed explanation of its process and to see the permits and paperwork it has acquired to make sure everything is properly authorized per Fort Smith regulations.

In general, foundation repairs will positively affect your home's value. In some cases, foundation repairs may be considered a capital improvement, which can sometimes qualify you for tax breaks. Generally, a capital improvement is defined as one that will add to your house's overall value, prolong its life, or adapt it to new uses. Contact your Arkansas tax professional for the most accurate information.

Foundation repairs carried out by a trustworthy company should last a long time. Bigger and more extensive repairs, like basement waterproofing, can be very involved and expensive, but they are very helpful in reducing the risk of future issues.