11 Best Foundation Companies in Schenectady, NY

On average, Schenectady homeowners spend roughly $3,169 on foundation repair. The amount you'll spend on foundation repair is based on several factors. Things like the extent of the damage, the type of repair needed, and the size of your home will all play a part. The best way to find out how much a job might cost is to contact a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

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 repair expert will perform an inspection and complete any repairs necessary to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs will vary based 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 involves fixing 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.

Lastly, waterproofing is an overarching term for a category of repairs intended to prevent water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can involve interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you think your foundation needs waterproofing.

One way to protect your foundation is to make sure it gets the proper level of moisture. Avoid letting the soil around your Schenectady 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, make sure that you promptly identify and repair any leaking pipes or gutters.

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 provide you with a list of things to look out for as well as more ideas to help you further protect your foundation. Finally, 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 will be able to 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 Schenectady, and should be able to provide the documents and/or explain the process if asked.

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

Interior waterproofing can involve the use of sealants or the installation of sump pumps and drains and tends to be less costly than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing often involves measures like applying physical barriers to crawl spaces and basements, changing your landscaping, or installing exterior drains.

In most cases, home insurance doesn't cover foundation repairs, unless the repair is to fix damage caused by a covered weather event. We strongly suggest talking to your home insurance company before you start any foundation repairs.