10 Best Foundation Companies in Dubuque, IA

On average, Dubuque homeowners spend roughly $2,810 on foundation repair. The total 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 determine how much a job could cost is to speak with a local foundation repair expert and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

The primary 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 complete any repairs necessary to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs will depend on the size and cause of the problem.

Underpinning, also called piering or leveling, is the process of leveling your foundation by underpinning it with large concrete piers. The cost will depend on how many piers are used. The price of stabilization varies similarly. This process fixes bowing walls by reinforcing them with steel or carbon fiber strips. The cost will depend on the material chosen and how many strips are used.

Lastly, waterproofing is an overarching term for a category of repairs that help stop water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can involve interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary widely. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you think your foundation needs waterproofing.

If you're constructing a new house, make sure that a soil report is completed. This report contains information regarding how well your soil can support a foundation, and can offer you a heads-up about potential future issues. If you have concerns about an existing home, a few hundred dollars will cover an inspection and report by a structural engineer. They can alert you to any things that could use some attention, and advise you on avoiding future problems.

It's also important that the moisture around your foundation is at an appropriate level. Don't let the soil around your Dubuque home get too dry or too wet; at different times, you might find yourself having to reroute your gutters or water your foundation. You should also stay vigilant for leaky gutters or pipes, so you can get them repaired promptly.

A permit is normally required for foundation repair, but obtaining one isn't your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should put together the permit and all other documents required in Dubuque, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents if asked.

Signs that you're in need of foundation waterproofing include white powder or spots on your walls, hairline cracks, uneven floors, basement flooding, discoloration or odors, or signs of mildew, mold, or fungus. Your contractor can tell 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 generally is less costly than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing can involve things like applying physical barriers to basements and crawl spaces, making changes to your landscaping, or installing exterior drains.

Foundation repairs can 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. In some cases, making capital improvements lets you qualify for tax breaks. (Talk to your Iowa tax professional to learn more.) Tax breaks aside, foundation repairs will, in most cases, positively affect your home's value.