11 Best Foundation Companies in Chapel Hill, NC

On average, Chapel Hill homeowners pay around $2,712 for foundation repair, although the total cost will change based on several factors. The fastest way to estimate the cost of your specific job is to solicit quotes from one or more local foundation repair companies. Your total cost will be determined by things like the type of the repair(s) and the size of your house.

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 vary based 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 amount you can expect to spend depends on how many piers are required. The price of stabilization varies similarly. This process involves fixing 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 category of repairs intended to stop water from getting into your foundation. This can involve exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're interested in waterproofing your foundation.

To protect your foundation, you should make sure that it gets the right amount of moisture, especially in hot weather. Avoid letting the soil around your Chapel Hill 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 quickly identify and repair any leaking pipes or gutters.

If you have any concerns about your foundation, you can contact 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 things to look out for as well as more ideas to help you further protect your foundation. Lastly, if you're building a new house, ensure to have a soil report done. This report provides information about how well the soil on your property will be able to support a foundation and highlights potential future issues.

Permits are needed for most foundation repairs, but getting one shouldn't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should put together all the permits and other documents required in Chapel Hill, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents if asked.

You might not love the idea of spending money to hire someone for a seemingly small foundation repair. However, it's always good to consult a professional. This way, you can avoid potential future issues that could be even more expensive. You may be able to repair small hairline cracks on your own, but it's always a smart idea to get an expert opinion first.

Generally, foundation repairs will have a positive effect on your home's value. In some cases, foundation repairs may be considered a capital improvement, which can sometimes 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. Speak with your North Carolina tax professional to learn more.