11 Best Foundation Companies in Bel Air South, MD

On average, Bel Air South homeowners spend about $2,847 on foundation repair. The total cost of foundation repair is based 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 play a part. The easiest way to learn how much a job may 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 contractor will perform an inspection and take necessary measures 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 amount you can expect to spend depends on how many piers are used. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process involves fixing bowing walls by reinforcing them with carbon fiber or steel strips. The total 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 prevent water from getting into your foundation. This can involve exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary widely. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're interested in waterproofing your foundation.

One way to protect your foundation is to make sure that it gets the proper level of moisture. Bel Air South 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 be sure to quickly 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 provide you with a list of potential concerns as well as steps you can take to further protect your foundation. Finally, if you're building a new house, be sure that you have a soil report done. This report provides information about how well the soil on your property will be able to support a foundation and highlights any potential future issues.

Permits are needed for most foundation repairs, but obtaining one won't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair provider should put together the permit and all other documents required in Bel Air South, and should be able to provide the documents and/or explain the process if asked.

Some signs that you need foundation waterproofing include white powder or spots on your walls, uneven floors, hairline cracks, discoloration or odors, basement flooding, 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 generally is less costly than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing can involve applying physical barriers to basements and crawl spaces, installing exterior drains, or making changes to your landscaping.

The length of time a foundation repair takes varies greatly based on the kind of repair required and the size of your house. Most repairs take anywhere from one to several weeks. Consult your Bel Air South foundation repair company for a more specific timeline for your project.