11 Best Foundation Companies in Stanford, CA

On average, Stanford homeowners pay roughly $3,790 for foundation repair, although the total cost will vary depending on several factors. The fastest way to estimate the cost of your specific project is to ask for quotes from a few local foundation repair companies. The total price will be influenced by things like the type of the repair(s) and the size of your house.

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

The main 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 take necessary measures to remedy cracks or leaks. The price will vary based on the size and cause of the issue.

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 varies similarly. This process fixes bowing walls by reinforcing them with carbon fiber or steel strips, and the total 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 prevent water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can include exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're planning to waterproof your foundation.

If your foundation is in need of waterproofing, you might notice signs like white powder or spots on your walls, uneven floors, basement flooding, hairline cracks, discoloration or odors, or signs of mold, mildew, or fungus.

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

Usually, your foundation repair technician will be licensed as a general contractor. General contractors in California must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board in order to work on projects valued at $500 or more. To obtain a license, an individual needs to have at least four years of related 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.

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 allows you to qualify for tax breaks. (Speak with your California tax professional to learn more.) Tax breaks aside, foundation repairs will, in most cases, positively affect the value of your home.

You should talk to your foundation repair company about your concerns before beginning any project. In most cases, yes, you should be able to remain in your home while foundation work is being done.