11 Best Foundation Companies in Marblehead, MA

On average, Marblehead homeowners spend roughly $3,247 on foundation repair. The total cost of foundation repair depends on several factors. Things like the size of your home, the type of repair needed, 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 speak with a local foundation repair company 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 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 the process of leveling your foundation by underpinning it with large concrete piers. The price will be based on how many piers are required. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process involves fixing bowing walls by reinforcing them with carbon fiber or steel strips, and the cost will depend on the material chosen and how many strips are used.

Finally, waterproofing is an overarching term for a category of repairs intended to stop water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can include exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you think your foundation needs waterproofing.

One way to protect your foundation is to make sure it gets the right amount of moisture. Marblehead sees more rain than many places, so be sure that your gutters and landscaping are arranged to prevent too much water from collecting near your foundation. Also make sure that you promptly identify and repair any leaking pipes or gutters.

If you think there may be any problems with your foundation, you can reach out to a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will cost a few hundred dollars, but the engineer's consultation can provide you with a list of things to be aware of as well as more ideas to help you further protect your foundation. Lastly, if you're constructing a new house, ensure to have a soil report done. This can provide information regarding how well the soil on your property will be able to support a foundation, and can highlight potential future issues.

Your foundation repair professional 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 permits and paperwork it has acquired to ensure everything is properly authorized per Marblehead regulations.

In general, foundation repairs will positively affect your home's value. In some cases, foundation repairs may be considered a capital improvement, which can sometimes help you qualify for tax breaks. A capital improvement is generally defined as one that adds to your house's overall market value, prolongs its life, or adapts it to new uses. Speak with your Massachusetts tax professional for the most accurate information.

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