11 Best Foundation Companies in Waukee, IA

On average, Waukee homeowners spend roughly $2,806 on foundation repair. The total cost of foundation repair will vary greatly depending on a number of factors. Things like the extent of the damage, the size of your home, and the type of repair needed will all factor in. The easiest way to learn how much a job may cost is to contact 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 exactly as they sound: your foundation repair expert will perform an inspection and complete any repairs necessary to remedy cracks or leaks. The price will vary based on the size and cause of the issue.

Underpinning, also called piering or leveling, is when a contractor levels your foundation by underpinning it with large concrete piers. The amount you can expect to spend depends on how many piers are used. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process reinforces bowing walls with steel or carbon fiber strips. The cost will depend on the material and how many strips are used.

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

When caring for your foundation, you should make sure it has the right amount of moisture. Avoid letting the soil around your Waukee 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 think there may be any problems with your foundation, you can call a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will run you a few hundred dollars, but the engineer's consultation can net you a list of things to look out for as well as additional steps to further protect your foundation. Lastly, if you're building a new house, make sure that you have a soil report done. This can provide information regarding how well the soil on your property can support a foundation, and can highlight any potential future issues.

A permit is normally required for foundation repair, but acquiring one shouldn't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair provider should get the permit and all other documents required in Waukee, and should be able to provide the documents and/or explain the process before starting work.

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

Foundation repair, particularly large repairs such as basement waterproofing, should last a long time. This is especially true if you employ a reliable company. By solving systemic issues with your foundation, or reinforcing critical areas, you reduce the risk of future problems.