11 Best Foundation Companies in Marblehead, MA

On average, Marblehead homeowners spend about $3,246 on foundation repair. The total cost of foundation repair is based on a number of factors. Things like the type of repair needed, the size of your home, and the extent of the damage will all help determine the cost. The best way to learn how much a job may cost is to talk to a local foundation repair expert and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

The primary types of foundation repair include 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 depend on the size and cause of the problem.

Underpinning, also called leveling or piering, 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 required. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process involves fixing bowing walls by reinforcing them with steel or carbon fiber strips. The total cost will depend on the material 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 or basement. This can include 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.

If you're building 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 offer you a heads-up about potential future problems. If you have concerns about an existing house, for a few hundred dollars, you can get an inspection and report by a structural engineer. They can point you to any issues that could use some attention, and give you advice on avoiding future problems.

It's also important that the moisture around your foundation is appropriate. As Marblehead 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. Also, be on the lookout for leaky pipes or gutters and repair them quickly.

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

In general, foundation repairs will have a positive effect on the value of your home. In some cases, you may be able to consider foundation repair a capital improvement, which might qualify you for tax breaks. Generally, a capital improvement is defined as one that adds to a home's overall value, prolongs its life, or adapts it to new uses. Speak with your Massachusetts tax professional for the most accurate information.

We highly recommend getting in touch with your home insurance provider before starting any foundation project to figure out what may be covered. Typically, foundation repairs won't be covered by home insurance unless they're to repair damage caused by a covered weather event.