11 Best Foundation Companies in Berkeley, CA

On average, Berkeley homeowners spend about $3,425 on foundation repair. The amount you'll spend on foundation repair depends on several factors. Things like the size of your home, the type of repair needed, and the extent of the damage will all play a part. The easiest way to determine how much a job may cost is to contact a local foundation repair company 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 contractor will perform an inspection and complete any repairs necessary to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs will depend 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 involves fixing bowing walls by reinforcing them with carbon fiber or steel strips, and the total cost will depend on the material and how many strips are used.

Finally, waterproofing is an overarching term for a category of repairs designed to 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.

If you're building a new home, have a soil report completed. This report contains information about how well the soil on a given piece of land can support a foundation, and can give you a heads-up about any 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 alert 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 appropriate, particularly when the weather gets hot. The weather in Berkeley tends to be very dry, which means that at times you may need to water your soil and foundation. Also, be on the lookout for leaky gutters or pipes, so you can get them repaired quickly.

Your foundation repair expert should be the one to get the permits. You can request that the company provide a detailed explanation of the steps in its process and to see the permits and paperwork it has acquired to ensure everything is properly authorized per Berkeley regulations.

You might not want to spend money to hire someone for what seems like a small foundation repair. However, it's always a smart idea to consult a professional. This helps you avoid potential future issues that could be even more expensive. It may be possible to repair small hairline cracks on your own, but it's always a smart idea to get an expert opinion first.

Typically, home insurance doesn't cover foundation repairs, unless the repair is to fix damage caused by a covered weather event. It's a good idea to talk to your home insurance company before starting any foundation repairs.