12 Best Foundation Companies in Brea, CA

On average, Brea homeowners pay about $4,409 for foundation repair, although the total cost will vary depending on several factors. The easiest way to get an estimate for the cost of a specific job is to ask for quotes from one or more local foundation repair companies. Your total cost will be influenced by things like the size of your house and type of repair(s) needed.

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

The primary types of foundation repair include 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 take necessary measures to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs will vary based on the size and cause of the issue.

Underpinning, also called leveling or piering, 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 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 chosen and how many strips are used.

Finally, waterproofing is an overarching term for a category of repairs intended to prevent water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can include exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're interested in waterproofing your foundation.

If your foundation is in need of waterproofing, you might notice signs like basement flooding, discoloration or odors, hairline cracks, uneven floors, white powder or spots on your walls, or signs of mildew, mold, or fungus.

The two broad categories of waterproofing are interior and exterior waterproofing. Interior waterproofing typically is less expensive, and involves measures like the use of sealants or the installation of sump pumps or drains. Exterior waterproofing is generally more expensive but more effective. It can involve things like landscaping changes, external drains, or physical barriers to keep water out of basements and crawl spaces.

Usually, your foundation repair contractor will be licensed as a general contractor. General contractors in California need to be licensed by the Contractors State License Board in order to work on projects valued at more than $500. To be eligible for a license, an individual must have at least four years of relevant work experience in the last decade (or be represented by someone who does), must pass both a law and business and a trade exam, and must be bonded. If an individual or business has employees, workers' compensation insurance is also required. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.

In some cases, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they meet the criteria of an improvement that will add to a home's overall value, prolong its life, or adapt it to new uses. In some cases, making capital improvements lets you qualify for tax breaks. (Speak with your California tax professional for more information.) Even without these tax breaks, foundation repairs will generally have a positive effect on the value of your home.