11 Best Foundation Companies in Orono, MN

On average, Orono homeowners pay about $3,066 for foundation repair, although the actual cost will change based on several factors. The easiest way to get an estimate for the cost of your specific job is to get quotes from a handful of local foundation repair companies. The amount you pay for a job will be influenced by things like the type of the repair(s) and the size of your house.

The main types of foundation repair are 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. The price will vary based on the size and cause of the issue.

Underpinning, also called leveling or piering, is when a contractor levels 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 fixes 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 number of jobs intended to stop water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can include exterior waterproofing, interior 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, have a soil report completed. This report contains information about how well the soil on a given piece of land can support a foundation, and can give you a heads-up about any potential future problems. If your concerns are 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 issues that need 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 Orono home get too dry or too wet; at different times, you might find yourself having to reroute your gutters or water your foundation. You should also stay vigilant for leaky pipes or gutters, so you can get them repaired quickly.

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

Sometimes, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they meet the criteria of an improvement that adds to a home's overall market value, prolongs its life, or adapts it to new uses. In some cases, making capital improvements lets you qualify for tax breaks. (Speak with your Minnesota tax professional for the most accurate information.) Even without these tax breaks, foundation repairs will, in most cases, positively affect your home's value.

Foundation repair, particularly extensive repairs such as basement waterproofing, should last a long time. This is especially true when you use a reputable company. By solving systemic foundation issues, or reinforcing critical areas, you reduce your risk of future problems.