12 Best Foundation Companies in San Francisco, CA

The cost of foundation repair depends on a number of factors. Things like the size of your home, the type of repair needed, and the extent of the damage will all play a part. On average, San Francisco homeowners spend about $4,545. The fastest way to determine how much a job might cost is to talk to a local foundation repair expert 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 are 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 complete any repairs necessary to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs will vary depending on the size and cause of the problem.

Underpinning, also called leveling or piering, is the process of leveling 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 fixes bowing walls by reinforcing them with steel or carbon fiber strips, and the cost will depend on what material and how many strips are used.

Lastly, waterproofing is an overarching term for a category of repairs intended to stop water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can include exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary widely. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're interested in waterproofing your foundation.

If you're building a new home, make sure that a soil report is done. A soil report will contain information regarding how well your soil can support a foundation, and can provide you with 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 need attention, and give you advice on how to avoid future problems.

It's also important that the moisture around your foundation is at an appropriate level. The weather in San Francisco 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 promptly.

Typically, your foundation repair contractor will be licensed as a general contractor. In California, general contractors need to be licensed by the Contractors State License Board before working on projects valued at more than $500. To apply for a license, an individual must have at least four years of relevant work experience in the last decade (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.

In general, foundation repairs will positively affect the value of your home. In some cases, you may be able to consider foundation repair a capital improvement, which might qualify you for tax breaks. A capital improvement is generally defined as one that adds to your house's overall value, prolongs its life, or adapts it to new uses. Talk to your California tax professional for more information.