11 Best Foundation Companies in Columbus, NE

On average, Columbus homeowners spend about $2,616 on foundation repair. The amount you'll spend on foundation repair depends on a number of factors. Things like the extent of the damage, the size of your home, and the type of repair needed will all help determine the cost. The fastest way to find out how much a job may 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 exactly as they sound: 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 problem.

Underpinning, also called leveling or piering, is the process of leveling your foundation by underpinning it with large concrete piers. The cost will depend on how many piers are needed. 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 chosen and how many strips are used.

Lastly, waterproofing is an overarching term for a number of jobs 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.

One way to protect your foundation is to make sure that it gets the proper level of moisture. Avoid letting the soil around your Columbus 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. Also make sure that you 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 cost a few hundred dollars, but the engineer's consultation can provide you with a list of potential concerns as well as additional steps to further protect your foundation. Lastly, if you're constructing a new home, ensure that you have a soil report done. This can provide information about how well the soil on your property will be able to support a foundation, and can highlight any potential future issues.

A permit is normally required for foundation repair, but acquiring one shouldn't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair provider should put together the permit and all other documents required in Columbus, 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 basement flooding, uneven floors, white powder or spots on your walls, discoloration or odors, hairline cracks, or signs of fungus, mildew, or mold.

Generally, foundation repairs will positively affect your home's value. In some cases, foundation repairs may be considered a capital improvement, which might help you qualify for tax breaks. A capital improvement is generally defined as one that adds to a home's overall market value, prolongs its life, or adapts it to new uses. Speak with your Nebraska tax professional to learn more.