11 Best Foundation Companies in Oakland, CA

The amount you'll spend on foundation repair will vary greatly depending on several factors. Things like the type of repair needed, the size of your home, and the extent of the damage will all help determine the cost. On average, Oakland homeowners spend about $4,048. The easiest way to find out how much a job may cost is to reach out to a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

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

Types of foundation repair include leak repair, crack repair, stabilization, underpinning, and waterproofing.

Leak repair and crack repair involve a technician coming to your home, performing an inspection, and using various measures to fix leaks or cracks. The cost of these procedures can vary greatly depending on the size and root cause of the problem.

Stabilization involves reinforcing bowing walls by inserting steel or carbon fiber strips. The amount you spend will depend on the material chosen and how many strips are required. The cost of underpinning also varies. This process, sometimes referred to as piering or leveling, involves leveling your foundation by underpinning it with concrete piers; the cost will be based on how many piers are needed.

If you're looking to waterproof your foundation or basement, we suggest talking to a waterproofing specialist. This process can include outdoor waterproofing, indoor waterproofing, or both.

One way to protect your foundation is to make sure it gets the proper level of moisture, especially in hot weather. Oakland tends to be a very dry place, so in times of little rain you may need to water your foundation. You should also 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 contact a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will cost a few hundred dollars, but the engineer's consultation can provide you with a list of things to look out for as well as more ideas to help you further protect your foundation. Lastly, if you're building a new home, ensure a soil report is done. This can provide information regarding how well the soil on your property can support a foundation, and can highlight any potential future issues.

When you're in need of waterproofing, you'll notice signs like white powder or spots on your walls, hairline cracks, uneven floors, basement flooding, discoloration or odors, or signs of fungus, mold, or mildew.

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

Generally, yes, you will be able to continue living in your home while foundation repair experts are working on it. Talk to your foundation repair technician to be certain.