10 Best Foundation Companies in San Jose, CA

The cost of foundation repair depends on several factors. Things like the extent of the damage, the type of repair needed, and the size of your home will all play a part. On average, San Jose homeowners spend about $4,540. The best way to determine how much a job might cost is to talk to a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

Click here to read a more thorough breakdown of foundation repair costs in California.

The main types of foundation repair are 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 take necessary measures to remedy cracks or leaks. The price will depend on the size and cause of the problem.

Underpinning, also called leveling or piering, is when a contractor levels your foundation by underpinning it with large concrete piers. The price will be based on how many piers are needed. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process involves fixing bowing walls by reinforcing them with steel or carbon fiber strips. The cost will depend on the material chosen and how many strips are used.

Lastly, waterproofing is an overarching term for a number of jobs that help stop water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can involve interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, or both, and the price can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're interested in waterproofing your foundation.

If you're constructing a new home, make sure that a soil report is done. This report contains information about how well the soil on a given piece of land can support a foundation, and can offer you a heads-up about potential future problems. 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 current problems that need attention, and give you advice on how to avoid future problems.

Also ensure that the moisture around your foundation is appropriate, particularly when the weather gets hot. The weather in San Jose 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 pipes or gutters so you can get them repaired promptly.

Your foundation repair professional should be the one to get the permits. You can ask the company to provide a detailed explanation of its process and to see the permits and paperwork it has acquired to verify that everything is properly authorized per San Jose regulations.

Generally, 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 can sometimes allow you to qualify for tax breaks. Generally, a capital improvement is defined as one that adds to a home's overall market value, prolongs its life, or adapts it to new uses. Talk to your California tax professional to learn more.

You may not love the idea of spending 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 way, you can avoid potential future issues that could be even more expensive. It may be possible to fix small hairline cracks on your own, but it's always good to get an expert opinion first.