11 Best Foundation Companies in Los Alamitos, CA

On average, Los Alamitos homeowners pay about $3,054 for foundation repair, although the total cost will change based on several factors. The easiest way to estimate the cost of a specific job is to ask for quotes from a few local foundation repair companies. Your total cost will be affected 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 what they sound like: your foundation contractor will perform an inspection and take necessary measures to remedy cracks or leaks. The price 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 required. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process fixes 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 designed to stop water from getting into your foundation. This can involve interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're interested in waterproofing your foundation.

When building a new home, make sure that a soil report is completed. A soil report will contain information regarding how well your soil can support a foundation, and can offer you a heads-up about potential future problems. If your concerns are about an existing home, a few hundred dollars will cover an inspection and report by a structural engineer. They can point you to any things that could use some attention, and give you advice on avoiding future problems.

You also want to make sure that the moisture around your foundation is appropriate, particularly when the weather gets hot. The weather in Los Alamitos 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.

A permit is normally required for foundation repair, but getting one won't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair provider should get the permit and all other documents required in Los Alamitos, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents if asked.

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

Interior waterproofing can involve the use of sealants or the installation of sump pumps and drains and tends to be less expensive than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing can involve applying physical barriers to basements and crawl spaces, making landscape changes, or installing exterior drains.

Foundation repairs can sometimes, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they fit the criteria of an improvement that adds to a home's overall value, prolongs its life, or adapts it to new uses. Making capital improvements sometimes lets you qualify for tax breaks. (Speak with your California tax professional for more information.) This aside, foundation repairs will, in most cases, positively affect the value of your home.