11 Best Foundation Companies in Baltimore, MD

On average, Baltimore homeowners pay around $2,816 for foundation repair, although the cost will change based on several factors. The best way to estimate 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 influenced by things like the size of your house and type of repair(s) needed.

Click here to see a more thorough breakdown of the cost of foundation repair in Maryland.

The primary 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. Costs will vary based on the size and cause of the problem.

Underpinning, also called leveling or piering, is the process of leveling your foundation by underpinning it with large concrete piers. The cost will depend on how many piers are needed. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process involves fixing bowing walls by reinforcing them with steel or carbon fiber strips, and the cost will depend on the material chosen 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 widely. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you think your foundation needs waterproofing.

To protect your foundation, you should make sure it has the right amount of moisture. Avoid letting the soil around your Baltimore 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. You should also be sure to promptly identify and repair any leaking gutters or pipes.

If you think there may be any problems with your foundation, you can reach out to a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will cost a few hundred dollars, but the consultation can net you a list of things to be aware of as well as steps you can take to further protect your foundation. Finally, if you're constructing a new house, make sure a soil report is done. This can provide information regarding how well the soil on your property can support a foundation, and can highlight potential future issues.

Typically, your foundation repair expert will be licensed as a general contractor. Contractors in Maryland must be licensed through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission, a division of the Department of Labor. To be licensed, an individual must have two years of experience, must pass an exam, and must hold general liability insurance. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.

Sometimes, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they fit the criteria of an improvement that adds to a home's overall value, prolongs its life, or adapts it to new uses. In some cases, making capital improvements lets you qualify for tax breaks. (Contact your Maryland tax professional for more information.) Even if you don't qualify for tax breaks, foundation repairs will, in most cases, positively affect your home's value.

We highly recommend getting in touch with your home insurance provider before you begin any foundation repairs to determine what might be covered. Typically, foundation repairs aren't covered by home insurance unless they are to fix damage caused by a covered weather event.