6 Best Foundation Companies in Traverse City, MI

On average, Traverse City homeowners pay around $2,836 for foundation repair, although the total cost will change based on several factors. The easiest way to get an estimate for the cost of a specific job is to get quotes from a few local foundation repair companies. Your total cost will be influenced by things like the size of your house and type of repair(s) needed.

The main 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. The price will depend on the size and cause of the issue.

Underpinning, also called piering or leveling, is the process of leveling your foundation by underpinning it with large concrete piers. The cost will depend on how many piers are used. The price of stabilization varies similarly. This process fixes 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.

Lastly, waterproofing is an overarching term for a category of repairs that help stop water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can include exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and the price can vary widely. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're planning to waterproof your foundation.

To protect your foundation, you should make sure that it gets the right amount of moisture. Avoid letting the soil around your Traverse City 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. Additionally, be sure to promptly identify and fix any leaking gutters or pipes.

If you think there may be any problems with your foundation, you can call a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will run you a few hundred dollars, but the consultation can net you a list of potential concerns as well as steps you can take to further protect your foundation. Lastly, if you're building a new house, ensure to have a soil report done. This can provide information about how well the soil on your property can support a foundation, and can highlight any potential future problems.

Permits are needed for most foundation repairs, but obtaining one isn't your responsibility. Your foundation repair provider should get all the permits and other documents required in Traverse City, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents if asked.

In general, foundation repairs will positively affect the value of your home. In some cases, foundation repairs may be considered a capital improvement, which might allow you to qualify for tax breaks. A capital improvement is generally defined as one that will add to your house's overall market value, prolong its life, or adapt it to new uses. Talk to your Michigan tax professional to learn more.

Generally, your home insurance won't cover foundation repairs, except for those done to repair damage caused by a covered weather event. We strongly suggest talking to your home insurance company before you start any foundation repairs.