10 Best Foundation Companies in Columbus, OH

On average, Columbus homeowners pay around $3,471 for foundation repair, although the total cost will vary depending on several factors. The best way to get an estimate for the cost of your specific project is to ask for quotes from one or more local foundation repair companies. The amount you pay for a job will be influenced by things like the type of the repair(s) and the size of your house.

Click here to read a more thorough breakdown of the cost of foundation repair in Ohio.

The main 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 contractor will perform an inspection and take necessary measures to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs will vary based on the size and cause of the issue.

Underpinning, also called leveling or piering, 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 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 what material and how many strips are used.

Finally, waterproofing is an overarching term for a category of repairs that help prevent water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can involve exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and the price can vary widely. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're interested in waterproofing your foundation.

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

Interior waterproofing can involve the use of sealants or the installation of sump pumps and drains and is generally less expensive than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing can involve things like applying physical barriers to basements and crawl spaces, making changes to your landscaping, or installing exterior drains.

Typically, your foundation repair technician will be licensed as a general contractor. Only certain construction trades are required to be licensed at the state level in Ohio: plumbers, HVAC contractors, refrigeration installers, electricians, and hydronic technicians. However, all Ohio businesses are required to hold an active state business license. You should also check with your city, county, or municipality to learn whether there are local requirements. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.

While some foundation issues might seem small and not worth the cost to fix, when left untreated, they can cause much larger and more expensive problems down the road. Foundation issues can also have underlying causes which are not readily apparent until after a professional inspection. It's important to fix these underlying issues as soon as possible. For these reasons, we advise against procrastinating on foundation repairs.

You may be able to handle small hairline cracks yourself, but in most cases, you should consult a professional before starting any kind of foundation work. Although you may not want to pay someone for work you feel like you can handle yourself, foundation repair mistakes can cost you much more down the line.