11 Best Foundation Companies in El Cerrito, CA

On average, El Cerrito homeowners spend about $3,169 on foundation repair. The total cost of foundation repair depends on several factors. Things like the type of repair needed, the size of your home, and the extent of the damage will all play a part. The easiest way to determine how much a job might cost is to reach out to a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

The main 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 complete any repairs necessary to remedy cracks or leaks. The price will vary depending on the size and cause of the issue.

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 needed. The price of stabilization varies similarly. This process fixes bowing walls by reinforcing them 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 stop water from getting into your foundation. This can include interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, or both, and the price can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're planning to waterproof your foundation.

When caring for your foundation, you should make sure it has the proper level of moisture, especially in hot weather. El Cerrito tends to be a very dry place, so in times of little rain you may need to water your foundation. Additionally, be sure to promptly identify and fix any leaking gutters or pipes.

If you think there may be any problems with your foundation, you can reach out to a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will cost a few hundred dollars, but the engineer's consultation can net you a list of things to be aware of as well as additional steps to further protect your foundation. Finally, if you're constructing a new home, be sure that you have a soil report done. This can provide information regarding how well the soil on your property can support a foundation, and can highlight any potential future problems.

Your foundation repair professional should acquire the needed permits. You can ask the company to provide a detailed explanation of the steps in its process and to see the permits and paperwork it has acquired to verify that everything is properly authorized per El Cerrito regulations.

You may not want to spend money to hire someone for what appears to be a small foundation repair. However, it's always a smart idea to consult a professional. This helps you avoid more expensive issues down the road. 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.

Foundation repairs completed by a reliable company should last a long time. Some more extensive repairs, such as basement waterproofing, can be very involved and expensive but go a long way toward lowering the risk of future issues.