11 Best Foundation Companies in Cleveland, OH

On average, Cleveland homeowners spend roughly $3,071 on foundation repair. The total cost of foundation repair will vary greatly depending on several factors. Things like the type of repair needed, the extent of the damage, and the size of your home will all factor in. The fastest way to determine how much a job could cost is to reach out to a local foundation repair expert and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

The main 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 vary based on the size and cause of the issue.

Underpinning, also called leveling or piering, 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 used. 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 category of repairs designed to prevent water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can involve interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, or both, and the price can vary widely. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're interested in waterproofing your foundation.

When building a new home, have a soil report completed. A soil report will contain information about how well the soil on a given piece of land can support a foundation, and can give you a heads-up about any potential future issues. If you have concerns about an existing house, for a few hundred dollars, you can get an inspection and report by a structural engineer. The engineer can point you to any issues that could use some attention, and give you advice on avoiding future problems.

Also ensure that the moisture around your foundation is appropriate. Don't let the soil around your Cleveland home get too dry or too wet; at different times, you might find yourself having to reroute your gutters or water your foundation. Also, be on the lookout for leaky pipes or gutters, so you can get them repaired quickly.

Foundation repair usually requires a permit, but obtaining one isn't your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should get the permit and all other documents required in Cleveland, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents if asked.

Signs that your foundation needs waterproofing include hairline cracks, discoloration or odors, uneven floors, 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 installation of sump pumps and drains or the use of sealants and tends to be less costly than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing often involves measures like applying physical barriers to crawl spaces and basements, installing exterior drains, or changing your landscaping.

You might 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. You may be able to take care of small hairline cracks yourself, but it's always in your best interest to get an expert opinion first.