11 Best Foundation Companies in Columbia, MD

On average, Columbia homeowners spend around $2,920 on foundation repair. The cost of foundation repair depends 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 help determine the cost. The fastest way to learn how much a job is going to cost is to talk to a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

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 repair expert 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 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 required. The price of stabilization varies similarly. This process fixes bowing walls by reinforcing them with steel or carbon fiber strips. The total cost will depend on what material is used and how many strips are used.

Finally, waterproofing is an overarching term for a number of jobs designed to stop water from getting into your foundation. This can involve interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're interested in waterproofing your foundation.

If you're constructing a new home, have a soil report completed. This report contains information about how well the soil on a given piece of land can support a foundation, and can give you a heads-up about any potential future problems. If you have concerns about an existing home, for a few hundred dollars, you can get an inspection and report by a structural engineer. The engineer can point you to any issues that could use some attention, and advise you 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 Columbia home get too dry or too wet; at different times, you might find yourself having to reroute your gutters or water your foundation. Also, be on the lookout for leaky gutters or pipes, so you can get them repaired quickly.

Foundation repair usually requires a permit, but applying for one shouldn't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should get all the permits and other documents required in Columbia, and should be able to provide the documents and/or explain the process before starting work.

You may not love the idea of spending money to hire someone for what seems like a small foundation repair. However, it's always in your best interest to consult a professional. This way, you can avoid more expensive issues down the road. It may be possible to repair small hairline cracks on your own, but it's always a smart idea to get an expert opinion first.

In general, foundation repair takes from one to several weeks. The range is wide because the time required will vary greatly depending on factors like the type of repair and the size of your home. You should talk to your Columbia foundation repair company for a more accurate timeline for your specific project.