11 Best Foundation Companies in Des Moines, IA

On average, Des Moines homeowners spend around $2,831 on foundation repair. The cost of foundation repair is based on a number of factors. Things like the type of repair needed, the size of your home, and the extent of the damage will all factor in. The fastest way to determine how much a job is going to cost is to talk to a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

The main types of foundation repair include crack repair, leak repair, underpinning, stabilization, and waterproofing.

Crack repair and leak repair are what they sound like: your foundation repair expert will perform an inspection and take necessary measures to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs will vary based on the size and cause of the issue.

Underpinning, also called leveling or piering, is the process of leveling 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 fixes 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 number of jobs that help stop water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can involve 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.

To protect your foundation, you should make sure it has the right amount of moisture. Avoid letting the soil around your Des Moines house become too wet or too dry – make changes to your gutter system to route water away, or water your foundation if it starts to get too dry. Additionally, make sure that you promptly identify and repair any leaking pipes or gutters.

If you have any concerns about your foundation, you can contact a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will cost a few hundred dollars, but the consultation can net you a list of things to be aware of as well as steps you can take to further protect your foundation. Finally, if you're constructing a new house, be sure that you have a soil report done. This report provides information about how well the soil on your property can support a foundation and highlights any potential future issues.

Your foundation repair provider 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 assembled to make sure everything is properly authorized per Des Moines regulations.

In most cases, yes, you can continue living in your home while foundation repair work is being completed. Talk to your foundation repair technician to be certain.

We highly recommend reaching out to your home insurance provider before beginning any foundation repair project to determine what might be covered. Typically, foundation repairs won't be covered by home insurance unless they're to fix damage caused by a covered weather event.