11 Best Foundation Companies in Arbutus, MD

On average, Arbutus homeowners pay around $2,846 for foundation repair, although the cost will vary widely depending on several factors. The easiest way to get an estimate for the cost of your specific job is to solicit quotes from a handful of local foundation repair companies. The amount you pay for a job will be affected by things like the size of your house and type of repair(s) needed.

The main types of foundation repair are crack repair, leak repair, underpinning, stabilization, and waterproofing.

Crack repair and leak repair are exactly as they sound: your foundation contractor 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 needed. The price of stabilization varies similarly. This process involves fixing bowing walls by reinforcing them with carbon fiber or steel strips, and the cost will depend on the material chosen and how many strips are used.

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

To protect your foundation, you should make sure it gets the proper level of moisture. Arbutus 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. You should also be sure to promptly identify and repair any leaking gutters or pipes.

If you have any concerns about your foundation, you can contact a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will run you a few hundred dollars, but the consultation can net you a list of things to be aware of as well as more ideas to help you further protect your foundation. Lastly, if you're constructing a new home, ensure to have a soil report done. This can provide information regarding how well the soil on your property can support a foundation, and can highlight potential future issues.

A permit is normally required for foundation repair, but obtaining one won't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair provider should put together all the permits and other documents required in Arbutus, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents if asked.

You may be able to handle small hairline cracks on your own, but in general, it's a good idea to consult a professional before starting any sort of foundation work. Although you may not want to pay someone for a task you feel like you can handle yourself, mistakes made during foundation repair can cost you much more down the line.

The amount of time foundation repairs will take varies greatly based on the type of repair needed and the size of your house. Most repairs will take anywhere from one to several weeks. Consult your Arbutus foundation repair professional for a more specific timeline for your project.