4 Best Foundation Companies in Cape Girardeau, MO

On average, Cape Girardeau homeowners spend about $2,451 on foundation repair. The total cost of foundation repair is based on a number of 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 find out how much a job could cost is to reach out to 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 what they sound like: your foundation contractor will perform an inspection and take necessary measures to remedy cracks or leaks. The price will vary depending on the size and cause of the issue.

Underpinning, also called piering or leveling, 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 used. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process reinforces bowing walls with steel or carbon fiber strips. The cost will depend on the material and how many strips are used.

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

When caring for your foundation, you should make sure it gets the right amount of moisture. Cape Girardeau 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. You should also make sure that you quickly identify and fix any leaking gutters or pipes.

If you have any concerns about your foundation, you can call a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will run you a few hundred dollars, but the engineer's consultation can net you a list of potential concerns as well as additional steps to further protect your foundation. Lastly, if you're building a new home, 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 problems.

A permit is normally required for foundation repair, but applying for one won't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should put together all the permits and other documents required in Cape Girardeau, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents before starting work.

If your foundation needs waterproofing, you'll start to notice signs like hairline cracks, discoloration or odors, uneven floors, white powder or spots on your walls, basement flooding, or signs of mildew, mold, or fungus.

In some cases, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they fit the criteria of an improvement that will add to a home's overall market value, prolong its life, or adapt it to new uses. In some cases, making capital improvements lets you qualify for tax breaks. (Talk to your Missouri tax professional for more information.) Tax breaks aside, foundation repairs will, in most cases, positively affect your home's value.