12 Best Foundation Companies in Erie, PA

The amount you'll spend on foundation repair depends 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. On average, Erie homeowners spend roughly $2,963. The fastest way to learn how much a job could cost is to reach out to a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

Click here to see a more thorough breakdown of the cost of foundation repair in Pennsylvania.

Types of foundation repair include leak repair, crack repair, stabilization, underpinning, and waterproofing.

Leak repair and crack repair involve a technician coming to your home, performing an inspection, and using various measures to remedy leaks or cracks. The cost of these procedures can vary greatly depending on the size and cause of the issue.

Stabilization is the process of fixing bowing walls by inserting carbon fiber or steel strips. The amount you spend will depend on the material used and the number of strips needed. The cost of underpinning also varies. This process, sometimes referred to as piering or leveling, involves leveling your foundation by underpinning it with concrete piers; the cost will depend on how many piers are used.

If you're interested in waterproofing your foundation or basement, we recommend speaking with a waterproofing specialist. This process may include outdoor waterproofing, indoor waterproofing, or both.

When constructing a new home, make sure that a soil report is done. 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 potential future issues. If your concerns are about an existing home, a few hundred dollars will cover an inspection and report by a structural engineer. The engineer can point you to any things that could use some attention, and give you advice on how to avoid future problems.

It's also important that the moisture around your foundation is at an appropriate level. Don't let the soil around your Erie 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 and repair them quickly.

Typically, your foundation repair technician will be licensed as a general contractor. The state of Pennsylvania does not have state-level licensing requirements for general contractors; however, home improvement contractors are required to register with the Attorney General's Office. Don't forget to check with your county or city government to find out if there are local licensing requirements for contractors. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.

Generally, foundation repairs will have a positive effect on your home's value. In some cases, you may be able to consider foundation repair a capital improvement, which might allow you to qualify for tax breaks. Generally, a capital improvement is defined as one that adds to a home's overall value, prolongs its life, or adapts it to new uses. Talk to your Pennsylvania tax professional to learn more.

The length of time foundation repairs will take varies greatly depending on the kind of repair required and the size of your house. Most repairs will take anywhere from one to several weeks. You should speak with your Erie foundation repair expert for a more specific timeline for your project.