10 Best Foundation Companies in Bethesda, MD

On average, Bethesda homeowners pay around $3,814 for foundation repair, although the actual cost will change based on several factors. The best way to get an estimate for the cost of a specific project is to solicit quotes from a few local foundation repair companies. The total price will be determined by things like the type of the repair(s) and the size of your house.

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

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 depend on the size and cause of the issue.

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 varies similarly. This process reinforces bowing walls with steel or carbon fiber strips. 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 that help prevent water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can involve interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, or both, and the price can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're interested in waterproofing your foundation.

When building a new home, have a soil report done. This report contains information regarding how well your soil can support a foundation, and can give you a heads-up about any potential future issues. If your concerns are about an existing home, a few hundred dollars will cover an inspection and report by a structural engineer. The engineer can alert you to any things that could use some attention, and advise you on avoiding future problems.

It's also important that the moisture around your foundation is appropriate. Don't let the soil around your Bethesda home get too dry or too wet; at different times, you might find yourself having to reroute your gutters or water your foundation. You should also stay vigilant for leaky pipes or gutters so you can get them repaired quickly.

Usually, your foundation repair contractor will be licensed as a general contractor. In the state of Maryland, contractors will be licensed through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission, part of the Department of Labor. To obtain a license, 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.

In some cases, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they fit the criteria of an improvement that adds to your house's overall value, prolongs its life, or adapts it to new uses. In some cases, making capital improvements allows you to qualify for tax breaks. (Talk to your Maryland tax professional to learn more.) Even if you don't qualify for tax breaks, foundation repairs will generally have a positive effect on your home's value.

You might not want to spend money hiring someone for a seemingly small foundation repair. However, it's always good to consult a professional. This helps you avoid potential future issues that could be even more expensive. You may be able to take care of small hairline cracks on your own, but it's always a smart idea to get an expert opinion first.