10 Best Foundation Companies in Washington, DC

On average, Washington homeowners pay about $3,844 for foundation repair, although the actual cost will change based on several factors. The best way to get an estimate for the cost of your specific job is to request quotes from a handful of local foundation repair companies. Your total cost will be influenced by things like the size of your house and type of repair(s) needed.

Click here to see a more thorough breakdown of foundation repair costs in District of Columbia.

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 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 required. The price of stabilization varies similarly. This process reinforces bowing walls with steel or carbon fiber strips. The cost will depend on what material and how many strips are used.

Finally, waterproofing is an overarching term for a number of jobs that help prevent water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can involve 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.

Your foundation repair professional should be the one to get the permits. You can ask the company to provide a detailed explanation of the steps in its process and to see the paperwork and permits it has assembled to ensure everything is properly authorized per Washington regulations.

Most of the time, your foundation repair contractor will be licensed as a general contractor. General contractors in Washington, D.C. must be licensed via the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Before receiving a license, contractors must provide proof of liability insurance. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.

In general, foundation repairs will positively affect your home's value. In some cases, foundation repairs may be considered a capital improvement, which can sometimes qualify you for tax breaks. A capital improvement is generally defined as one that adds to a home's overall market value, prolongs its life, or adapts it to new uses. Talk to your District of Columbia tax professional for more information.

We caution against putting off foundation repairs. A seemingly small issue may have an underlying cause that could lead to numerous future problems, and it's best to get ahead of the issue as soon as possible. A small and moderately costly problem now could turn into a large and very expensive one in the future if the signs are ignored.