Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Todays Homeowner Local Pros
Last Updated May 2023
Signs of foundation issues can be anxiety-inducing — you know that any repairs you undertake will be pricey, but you're also aware that waiting too long could be catastrophic. Foundation repair is a big project, and you may be concerned about the amount of time it will take, or if you'll be able to stay in your Altoona home while the work is being done.
Make use of our guide to Altoona's top foundation repair companies to find an expert and reduce your stress. The companies on our list are reliable and can get the job done right the first time.
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Helps educate customers
Free quotes
Award-winning
Transparent pricing
Good customer service
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Transparent pricing
Free quotes
Good customer service
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Helps educate customers
Free quotes
Good customer service
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Good customer service
Transparent pricing
Free quotes
Helps educate customers
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Good customer service
Transparent pricing
Free quotes
Helps educate customers
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Good customer service
Transparent pricing
Free quotes
Helps educate customers
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Punctual service
Helps educate customers
Award-winning
Transparent pricing
Good customer service
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Punctual service
Helps educate customers
Award-winning
Transparent pricing
Good customer service
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Punctual service
Free quotes
Good customer service
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on foundation companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
If your foundation needs repairs, you may notice a number of symptoms. Outside your home, you might see a crumbling or cracking foundation or cracks in your driveway. Your ground floor or basement might have floors that are cracked or uneven. You may notice windows and doors that are sticking in their frames, or frames that are skewed. You may also notice buckling, cracking, or bowing walls.
The cost of foundation repair will vary greatly depending on a number of factors. Things like the size of your home, the extent of the damage, and the type of repair needed will all factor in. On average, Altoona homeowners spend about $3,301. The easiest way to learn how much a job could cost is to reach out to a local foundation repair expert and schedule a free inspection and estimate.
Click here for a more thorough breakdown of foundation repair costs in Iowa.
Types of foundation repair include leak repair, crack repair, stabilization, underpinning, and waterproofing.
For both leak repair and crack repair, a technician will come to your home, perform an inspection, and use various measures to fix leaks or cracks. The amount you spend can vary greatly depending on the size and cause of the issue.
Stabilization is the process of fixing bowing walls by inserting carbon fiber or steel strips. The amount you spend will depend on the material chosen and how many strips are needed. The cost of underpinning also varies. This process, sometimes referred to as leveling or piering, involves leveling your foundation by underpinning it with concrete piers; the cost will depend on how many piers are used.
If you're interested in waterproofing your foundation or basement, we recommend looking for a waterproofing specialist. This process can include outdoor waterproofing, indoor waterproofing, or both.
Some indicators that you are in need of foundation waterproofing include basement flooding, hairline cracks, discoloration or odors, uneven floors, white powder or spots on your walls, or signs of fungus, mildew, or mold. Your contractor can inform you whether you need interior or exterior waterproofing.
Interior waterproofing can involve the use of sealants or the installation of sump pumps and drains and tends to be less costly than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing can involve things like applying physical barriers to crawl spaces and basements, installing exterior drains, or changing your landscaping.
Your foundation repair expert should be the one obtaining the permits. You can request that the company provide a detailed explanation of the steps in its process and to see the permits and paperwork it has acquired to confirm everything is properly authorized per Altoona regulations.
Generally, foundation repairs will have a positive effect on the value of your home. In some cases, you may be able to consider foundation repair a capital improvement, which might allow you to qualify for tax breaks. A capital improvement is generally defined as one that will add to a home's overall value, prolong its life, or adapt it to new uses. Contact your Iowa tax professional for more information.
We advise against putting off foundation repairs. Minor issues may have an underlying cause that could lead to numerous future problems, and it's better to treat the root of the issue as fast as possible. A small and moderately costly problem now could become a large and expensive one in the future if the signs are ignored.
