3 Best Foundation Companies in Storm Lake, IA

On average, Storm Lake homeowners spend around $2,643 on foundation repair. The amount you'll spend on foundation repair is based on several factors. Things like the extent of the damage, the size of your home, and the type of repair needed will all help determine the cost. The easiest way to find out 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 contractor will perform an inspection and complete any repairs necessary 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 needed. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process fixes bowing walls by reinforcing them with carbon fiber or steel strips. The cost will depend on what material is used and how many strips are used.

Lastly, waterproofing is an overarching term for a category of repairs intended to stop water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can involve exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and the price can vary widely. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're interested in waterproofing your foundation.

When building a new home, make sure that a soil report is completed. A soil report will contain information about how well the soil on a given piece of land can support a foundation, and can give you a heads-up about potential future issues. If your concerns are about an existing house, a few hundred dollars will cover an inspection and report by a structural engineer. They can point you to any things that need attention, and give you advice on how to avoid future problems.

It's also important that the moisture around your foundation is at an appropriate level. Don't let the soil around your Storm Lake 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 and repair them promptly.

Permits are needed for most foundation repairs, but acquiring one should not be your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should put together all the permits and other documents required in Storm Lake, and should be able to provide the documents and/or explain the process if asked.

Some signs that you're in need of foundation waterproofing include uneven floors, basement flooding, white powder or spots on your walls, hairline cracks, discoloration or odors, or signs of mold, mildew, or fungus. Your contractor can inform you whether you need interior or exterior waterproofing.

Interior waterproofing can involve the installation of sump pumps and drains or the use of sealants and is generally less costly than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing can involve things like applying physical barriers to crawl spaces and basements, installing exterior drains, or making landscape changes.

In most cases, home insurance doesn't cover foundation repairs, except for those done to repair damage caused by a covered weather event. We strongly suggest talking to your home insurance company before you begin any foundation repairs.