11 Best Foundation Companies in Cerritos, CA

On average, Cerritos homeowners pay about $2,705 for foundation repair, although the cost will change based on several factors. The best way to estimate the cost of a specific project is to ask for quotes from a handful of local foundation repair companies. The total price will be influenced by things like the size of your house and type of repair(s) needed.

The main types of foundation repair include 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. Costs will depend 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 price will be based on how many piers are used. The price of stabilization varies similarly. This process reinforces bowing walls with steel or carbon fiber strips. The cost will depend on the material and how many strips are used.

Finally, waterproofing is an overarching term for a number of jobs that help prevent water from getting into your foundation. This can include interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary widely. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're planning to waterproof your foundation.

If you're constructing a new house, make sure that a soil report is 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 issues. If your concerns are about an existing home, for a few hundred dollars, you can get an inspection and report by a structural engineer. The engineer can point you to any things that could use some attention, and give you advice on avoiding future problems.

Also ensure that the moisture around your foundation is at an appropriate level, particularly when the weather gets hot. The weather in Cerritos 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 pipes or gutters and repair them quickly.

Permits are needed for most foundation repairs, but getting one should not be your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should put together all the permits and other documents required in Cerritos, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents if asked.

Signs that you need foundation waterproofing include uneven floors, discoloration or odors, white powder or spots on your walls, basement flooding, hairline cracks, or signs of mold, mildew, or fungus. Your contractor can determine whether you need interior or exterior waterproofing.

Interior waterproofing can involve the use of sealants or the installation of sump pumps and drains and is generally less expensive than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing can involve things like applying physical barriers to crawl spaces and basements, installing exterior drains, or making changes to your landscaping.

Sometimes, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they meet the criteria of an improvement that will add to your house's overall value, prolong its life, or adapt it to new uses. Making capital improvements sometimes allows you to qualify for tax breaks. (Contact your California tax professional for more information.) This aside, foundation repairs will, in most cases, positively affect the value of your home.