11 Best Foundation Companies in Iowa City, IA

On average, Iowa City homeowners pay about $2,523 for foundation repair, although the total cost will change based on several factors. The easiest way to get an estimate for the cost of your specific project is to ask for quotes from a handful of local foundation repair companies. Your total cost will be influenced by things like the type of the repair(s) and the size of your house.

Types of foundation repair include leak repair, crack repair, stabilization, underpinning, and waterproofing.

Leak repair and crack repair involve a technician coming to your home, performing an inspection, and using various measures to fix leaks or cracks. The cost of these procedures can vary greatly depending on the size and root cause of the problem.

Stabilization is the process of fixing bowing walls by inserting carbon fiber or steel strips. The cost will depend on the material used and how many strips are required. The cost of underpinning also varies. This process, also called 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 suggest looking for a waterproofing specialist. This process might include outdoor waterproofing, indoor waterproofing, or both.

When caring for your foundation, you should make sure that it gets the right amount of moisture. Avoid letting the soil around your Iowa City 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. You should also make sure that you promptly identify and repair any leaking pipes or gutters.

If you have any concerns about your foundation, you can reach out to a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will cost a few hundred dollars, but the engineer's consultation can net you a list of things to be aware of as well as additional steps to further protect your foundation. Lastly, if you're constructing a new home, make sure to have a soil report done. This can provide information about how well the soil on your property will be able to support a foundation, and can highlight potential future issues.

Permits are needed for most foundation repairs, but applying for one won't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair provider should get the permit and all other documents required in Iowa City, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents before starting work.

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

Foundation repairs completed by a trustworthy company should last a long time. Large repairs, such as basement waterproofing, can be very involved and expensive, but they do a lot in terms of lowering your risk of future issues.