11 Best Foundation Companies in Durham, NC

On average, Durham homeowners spend about $2,711 on foundation repair. The amount you'll spend on foundation repair is based on several factors. Things like the size of your home, the type of repair needed, and the extent of the damage will all factor in. The best way to determine how much a job might cost is to speak with a local foundation repair expert and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

The primary types of foundation repair are crack repair, leak repair, underpinning, stabilization, and waterproofing.

Crack repair and leak repair are what they sound like: 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 problem.

Underpinning, also called piering or leveling, 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 reinforces bowing walls with steel or carbon fiber strips. The total cost will depend on the material 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. This can involve exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and the price 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 has the right amount of moisture, especially in hot weather. Avoid letting the soil around your Durham 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 quickly identify and repair any leaking pipes or gutters.

If you have any concerns about your foundation, you can reach out to a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will run you a few hundred dollars, but the consultation can net you a list of things to be aware of as well as additional steps to further protect your foundation. Finally, if you're constructing 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 any potential future problems.

Your foundation repair provider should acquire the needed permits. You can ask the company to provide a detailed explanation of its process and to see the paperwork and permits it has assembled to ensure everything is properly authorized per Durham regulations.

Indicators that you're in need of foundation waterproofing include hairline cracks, white powder or spots on your walls, uneven floors, discoloration or odors, basement flooding, or signs of mold, mildew, or fungus. 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 generally is less expensive than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing can involve applying physical barriers to basements and crawl spaces, installing exterior drains, or changing your landscaping.

You may not want to spend money to hire someone for what appears to be a small foundation repair. However, it's always in your best interest to consult a professional. This helps you avoid more expensive issues down the road. It may be possible to fix small hairline cracks on your own, but it's always in your best interest to get an expert opinion first.