11 Best Foundation Companies in Smyrna, DE

On average, Smyrna homeowners spend roughly $3,161 on foundation repair. The cost of foundation repair is based on a number of factors. Things like the extent of the damage, the type of repair needed, and the size of your home will all help determine the cost. The fastest way to learn how much a job may cost is to contact a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

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 based on the size and cause of the issue.

Underpinning, also called piering or leveling, 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 needed. 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.

Finally, 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 interested in waterproofing your foundation.

If you're building a new house, make sure that a soil report is completed. This report contains information about how well the soil on a given piece of land can support a foundation, and can give you a heads-up about any potential future problems. If you have concerns about an existing house, for a few hundred dollars, you can get an inspection and report by a structural engineer. They can alert you to any issues that could use some attention, and advise you on avoiding future problems.

You also want to make sure that the moisture around your foundation is appropriate. Don't let the soil around your Smyrna home get too dry or too wet; at different times, you might find yourself having to reroute your gutters or water your foundation. Also, be on the lookout for leaky gutters or pipes and repair them promptly.

Your foundation repair professional should acquire the needed permits. You can ask the company to provide a detailed explanation of its process and to see the paperwork and permits it has assembled to make sure everything is properly authorized per Smyrna regulations.

Some indicators that you're in need of foundation waterproofing include hairline cracks, uneven floors, white powder or spots on your walls, basement flooding, discoloration or odors, or signs of fungus, mold, or mildew. Your contractor can determine whether you need interior or exterior waterproofing.

Interior waterproofing can involve the use of sealants or the installation of sump pumps and drains and generally is less costly than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing can involve applying physical barriers to basements and crawl spaces, installing exterior drains, or making landscape changes.

You might not want to spend money to hire someone for what appears to be a small foundation repair. However, it's always in your best interest to consult a professional. This way, you can avoid more expensive issues down the road. It may be possible to fix small hairline cracks yourself, but it's always a smart idea to get an expert opinion first.