11 Best Foundation Companies in Darby, PA

On average, Darby homeowners pay roughly $3,066 for foundation repair, although the total cost will vary widely depending on several factors. The easiest way to estimate the cost of a specific project is to ask for quotes from a few local foundation repair companies. The amount you pay for a job will be affected by things like the type of the repair(s) and the size of your house.

The primary 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 depending on the size and cause of the problem.

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 needed. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process reinforces bowing walls with steel or carbon fiber strips. The cost will depend on the material and how many strips are used.

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

To protect your foundation, you should make sure that it gets the right amount of moisture. Darby sees more rain than many places, so be sure that your gutters and landscaping are arranged to prevent too much water from collecting near your foundation. You should also be sure to 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 net you a list of things to be aware of as well as steps you can take to further protect your foundation. Lastly, if you're constructing a new home, 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.

Foundation repair usually requires a permit, but applying for one should not be your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should put together the permit and all other documents required in Darby, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents if asked.

Some signs that your foundation needs waterproofing include hairline cracks, uneven floors, basement flooding, white powder or spots on your walls, discoloration or odors, 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 expensive than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing can involve things like applying physical barriers to crawl spaces and basements, changing your landscaping, or installing exterior drains.

Sometimes, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they fit the criteria of an improvement that adds to your house's overall market value, prolongs its life, or adapts it to new uses. In some cases, making capital improvements helps you qualify for tax breaks. (Talk to your Pennsylvania tax professional to learn more.) Even without these tax breaks, foundation repairs will, in most cases, positively affect your home's value.