11 Best Foundation Companies in Ayer, MA

On average, Ayer homeowners pay about $3,356 for foundation repair, although the cost will vary depending on several factors. The fastest way to estimate the cost of a specific project 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 type of the repair(s) and the size of your house.

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 repair expert will perform an inspection and take necessary measures to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs will depend 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 amount you can expect to spend depends on how many piers are used. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process reinforces bowing walls with carbon fiber or steel 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 widely. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're planning to waterproof your foundation.

If you're constructing a new home, have a soil report completed. A soil report will contain information regarding how well your soil can support a foundation, and can give you a heads-up about 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. They can point you to any issues that need attention, and advise you on avoiding future problems.

Also ensure that the moisture around your foundation is appropriate. As Ayer sees more rain than many other places, keep an eye on your gutters and landscaping to make sure too much water isn't getting into your soil or foundation. You should also stay vigilant for leaky gutters or pipes, so you can get them repaired promptly.

Your foundation repair expert should be the one obtaining the permits. You can ask the company to provide a detailed explanation of the steps in its process and to see the paperwork and permits it has acquired to make sure everything is properly authorized per Ayer regulations.

In some cases, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they meet the criteria of an improvement that will add to a home's overall value, prolong its life, or adapt it to new uses. In some cases, making capital improvements allows you to qualify for tax breaks. (Contact your Massachusetts tax professional for more information.) This aside, foundation repairs will, in most cases, positively affect the value of your home.

Typically, foundation repair projects will take from one to several weeks. This range is wide because the timeline will vary greatly based on factors like the type of repair needed and the size of your home. You should talk to your Ayer foundation repair company for a more accurate timeline for your specific project.