11 Best Foundation Companies in Olney, MD

On average, Olney homeowners pay roughly $2,721 for foundation repair, although the total cost will vary depending on several factors. The fastest way to get an estimate for the cost of a specific job is to get quotes from one or more local foundation repair companies. The amount you pay for a job will be affected by things like the size of your house and type of repair(s) needed.

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 complete any repairs necessary to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs will vary based on the size and cause of the problem.

Underpinning, also called piering or leveling, is when a contractor levels your foundation by underpinning it with large concrete piers. The cost will depend on how many piers are needed. The price of stabilization varies similarly. This process fixes bowing walls by reinforcing them with steel or carbon fiber strips, and the total cost will depend on what material is used and how many strips are used.

Lastly, waterproofing is an overarching term for a category of repairs intended to prevent water from getting into your foundation. This can include exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're planning to waterproof your foundation.

When caring for your foundation, you should make sure that it has the right amount of moisture. Avoid letting the soil around your Olney 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 quickly identify and fix any leaking gutters or pipes.

If you have any concerns about your foundation, you can reach out to a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will run you a few hundred dollars, but the consultation can net you a list of things to be aware of as well as more ideas to help you further protect your foundation. Finally, if you're building a new home, ensure to have a soil report done. This can provide information about how well the soil on your property will be able to support a foundation, and can highlight any potential future issues.

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

Sometimes, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they fit the criteria of an improvement that will add to your house's overall market value, prolong its life, or adapt it to new uses. In some cases, making capital improvements helps you qualify for tax breaks. (Contact your Maryland tax professional for more information.) Tax breaks aside, foundation repairs will generally have a positive effect on your home's value.

We highly recommend talking with your home insurance provider before beginning any foundation repairs to learn about what might be covered. In general, foundation repairs aren't covered by your home insurance unless they're to repair damage that was caused by a covered weather event.