11 Best Foundation Companies in Santa Monica, CA

On average, Santa Monica homeowners pay roughly $2,705 for foundation repair, although the actual cost will change based on several factors. The easiest way to get an estimate for the cost of your specific job is to ask for quotes from one or more local foundation repair companies. The amount you pay for a job will be affected by things like the type of the repair(s) and the size of your house.

The main 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 repair expert will perform an inspection and complete any repairs necessary to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs will vary based 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 amount you can expect to spend depends on how many piers are required. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process involves fixing bowing walls by reinforcing them with carbon fiber or steel strips, and the total cost will depend on the material and how many strips are used.

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

To protect your foundation, you should make sure it has the right amount of moisture, especially in hot weather. Santa Monica tends to be a very dry place, so in times of little rain you may need to water your foundation. Additionally, make sure that you promptly identify and fix any leaking pipes or gutters.

If you have any concerns about your foundation, you can contact a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will run you a few hundred dollars, but the consultation can provide you with a list of potential concerns as well as more ideas to help you further protect your foundation. Finally, if you're building a new home, be sure that you have a soil report done. This can provide information regarding how well the soil on your property will be able to support a foundation, and can highlight potential future problems.

Permits are needed for most foundation repairs, but obtaining one won't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should put together all the permits and other documents required in Santa Monica, and should be able to provide the documents and/or explain the process if asked.

Foundation repair, particularly large repairs such as basement waterproofing, should last a long time. This is especially true if you choose a reliable company. By solving systemic foundation issues, or reinforcing critical areas, you reduce your risk of future problems.

In most cases, foundation repair takes from one to several weeks. The range is wide because the time required will vary greatly depending on things like the type of repair needed and the size of your house. You should confer with your Santa Monica foundation repair professional for a more accurate timeline for your specific project.