11 Best Foundation Companies in Oakland, MI

On average, Oakland homeowners spend about $3,404 on foundation repair. The total cost of foundation repair is based on several factors. Things like the extent of the damage, the size of your home, and the type of repair needed will all factor in. The fastest way to learn how much a job is going to cost is to contact a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

The main 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 complete any repairs necessary to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs will depend on the size and cause of the issue.

Underpinning, also called leveling or piering, 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 used. The price of stabilization varies similarly. This process involves fixing bowing walls by reinforcing them with carbon fiber or steel strips. The cost will depend on the material chosen 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 planning to waterproof your foundation.

When building a new home, make sure that a soil report is completed. A soil report will contain information about how well the soil on a given piece of land can support a foundation, and can give 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 alert you to any current problems that could use some attention, and advise you on how to avoid future problems.

It's also important that the moisture around your foundation is appropriate. Don't let the soil around your Oakland 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 pipes or gutters and repair them promptly.

Permits are needed for most foundation repairs, but getting one should not be your responsibility. Your foundation repair provider should put together the permit and all other documents required in Oakland, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents if asked.

Signs that you need foundation waterproofing include white powder or spots on your walls, hairline cracks, uneven floors, basement flooding, discoloration or odors, or signs of mildew, mold, or fungus. Your contractor can inform you whether you need interior or exterior waterproofing.

Interior waterproofing can involve the installation of sump pumps and drains or the use of sealants and generally is less costly than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing can involve applying physical barriers to basements and crawl spaces, installing exterior drains, or making landscape changes.

In general, your home insurance won't cover foundation repairs, unless the repair is to fix damage resulting from a covered weather event. It's a smart idea to talk to your home insurance company before beginning any foundation repairs.