11 Best Foundation Companies in Hercules, CA

The cost of foundation repair is based on a number of factors. Things like the size of your home, the extent of the damage, and the type of repair needed will all play a part. On average, Hercules homeowners spend about $4,614. The fastest way to learn how much a job could cost is to reach out to a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

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

The primary 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 contractor will perform an inspection and take necessary measures to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs will depend on the size and cause of the issue.

Underpinning, also called piering or leveling, 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 involves fixing bowing walls by reinforcing them with carbon fiber or steel strips. The 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 stop water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can include interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, or both, and the price can vary widely. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're planning to waterproof your foundation.

When constructing a new home, make sure that a soil report is done. A soil report will contain information about how well the soil on a given piece of land can support a foundation, and can offer you a heads-up about any potential future issues. If you have concerns about an existing home, a few hundred dollars will cover an inspection and report by a structural engineer. They can alert you to any issues that need attention, and give you advice on avoiding future problems.

It's also important that the moisture around your foundation is at an appropriate level, particularly when the weather gets hot. The weather in Hercules tends to be very dry, which means that at times you may need to water your soil and foundation. You should also stay vigilant for leaky pipes or gutters and repair them promptly.

Typically, your foundation repair expert 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 over $500. To be eligible for a license, an individual must have at least four years of related work experience in the last ten years (or be represented by someone who does), must pass both a business and law and a trade exam, and must be bonded. Individuals or businesses that have employees must also have workers' compensation insurance. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.

Although some foundation issues may seem small and not worth the cost to fix, when left untreated, they can lead to much larger and more expensive problems down the road. Foundation issues can also have underlying causes which are not obvious until after a professional inspection. It's important to repair these underlying issues as soon as possible. For these reasons, we advise against procrastinating on foundation repairs.

You should ask your foundation repair company about this issue before committing to any project. Typically, yes, you and your family will be able to remain at home while foundation work is being done.