11 Best Foundation Companies in College Park, MD

On average, College Park homeowners spend about $2,798 on foundation repair. The amount you'll spend on foundation repair depends on several factors. Things like the type of repair needed, the extent of the damage, and the size of your home will all help determine the cost. The best way to find out how much a job might cost is to talk to a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

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 take necessary measures to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs 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 price will be based on how many piers are needed. The price of stabilization varies similarly. This process involves fixing bowing walls by reinforcing them with steel or carbon fiber strips, and the total 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. This can include interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary widely. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're planning to waterproof your foundation.

If you're building a new house, have a soil report completed. A soil report will contain information about how well the soil on a given piece of land can support a foundation, and can give you a heads-up about 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 current problems that need attention, and give you advice on how to avoid future problems.

You also want to make sure that the moisture around your foundation is at an appropriate level. Don't let the soil around your College Park 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 and repair them quickly.

Permits are needed for most foundation repairs, but getting one should not be your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should get all the permits and other documents required in College Park, and should be able to provide the documents and/or explain the process if asked.

In some cases, 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. Making capital improvements sometimes helps you qualify for tax breaks. (Talk to your Maryland tax professional for the most accurate information.) Even without these tax breaks, foundation repairs will, in most cases, positively affect your home's value.

Typically, your home insurance won't cover foundation repairs, except for those done to repair damage caused by a covered weather event. It's a smart idea to talk to your home insurance company before you start any foundation repairs.