11 Best Foundation Companies in Gorham, ME

On average, Gorham homeowners spend about $3,066 on foundation repair. The amount you'll spend on foundation repair is based on a number of factors. Things like the size of your home, the type of repair needed, and the extent of the damage will all play a part. The easiest way to determine how much a job is going to cost is to talk to 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 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 carbon fiber or steel strips, and the total cost will depend on the material chosen and how many strips are used.

Finally, waterproofing is an overarching term for a category of repairs designed to 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're interested in waterproofing your foundation.

When caring for your foundation, you should make sure it has the right amount of moisture. Gorham sees more rain than many places, so be sure that your gutters and landscaping are arranged to prevent too much water from collecting near your foundation. Also make sure that you promptly identify and fix any leaking gutters or pipes.

If you think there may be any problems with your foundation, you can call 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 look out for as well as additional steps to further protect your foundation. Lastly, if you're building a new house, be sure that you have a soil report done. This can provide information regarding how well the soil on your property will be able to support a foundation, and can highlight any potential future problems.

Foundation repair usually requires a permit, but getting one won't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair provider should get the permit and all other documents required in Gorham, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents if asked.

You may be able to handle small hairline cracks yourself, but in general, you should consult a professional before starting any kind of foundation work. While you may balk at the idea of paying someone for work you feel you can handle yourself, foundation repair mistakes can be even more costly down the line.

Foundation repairs carried out by a reliable company should last a long time. Bigger and more extensive repairs, such as basement waterproofing, can be rather involved and expensive, but they go a long way toward mitigating the risk of future issues.