8 Best Foundation Companies in Ottumwa, IA

On average, Ottumwa homeowners pay around $2,643 for foundation repair, although the total cost will depend on several factors. The easiest way to estimate the cost of your specific project is to request quotes from a handful of local foundation repair companies. Your total cost will be affected 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 repair techniques to remedy leaks or cracks. The cost of these procedures can vary greatly depending on the size and root cause of the problem.

Stabilization involves reinforcing bowing walls by inserting carbon fiber or steel strips. The cost will depend on the material chosen and how many strips are required. The cost of underpinning also varies. This process, also called leveling or piering, involves underpinning your foundation with concrete piers to level it; the cost will depend on how many piers are used.

If you're looking to waterproof your foundation or basement, we recommend finding a waterproofing specialist. This process can include outdoor waterproofing, indoor waterproofing, or both.

When constructing a new house, have a soil report completed. This report contains information about how well the soil on a given piece of land can support a foundation, and can give you a heads-up about any potential future issues. If you have concerns about an existing home, for a few hundred dollars, you can get an inspection and report by a structural engineer. They can point you to any issues that need attention, and give you advice on how to avoid future problems.

You also want to make sure that the moisture around your foundation is appropriate. Don't let the soil around your Ottumwa 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 pipes or gutters, so you can get them repaired quickly.

Your foundation repair expert should acquire the needed permits. You can request that the company 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 Ottumwa regulations.

Small hairline cracks might seem easy to handle yourself, but in general, you should at least consult a professional before beginning any sort of foundation work. While you may not want to pay someone for a job you feel like you can handle yourself, foundation repair mistakes can be even more costly down the line.

In most cases, foundation repair takes from one to several weeks. The range is wide because the time required will vary greatly depending on things like the type of repair required and the size of your home. You should confer with your Ottumwa foundation repair expert for a more accurate timeline for your specific project.