11 Best Foundation Companies in Upper St. Clair, PA

On average, Upper St. Clair homeowners spend about $2,605 on foundation repair. The total cost of foundation repair will vary greatly depending on several factors. Things like the size of your home, the type of repair needed, and the extent of the damage will all play a part. The best 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.

The primary 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 take necessary measures 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 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 is also variable. This process fixes bowing walls by reinforcing them with carbon fiber or steel strips, and the total cost will depend on the material and how many strips are used.

Lastly, waterproofing is an overarching term for a number of jobs that help prevent water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can involve interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary widely. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're planning to waterproof your foundation.

If you're 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 problems. If your concerns are 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 current problems that need attention, and give you advice on avoiding future problems.

You also want to make sure that the moisture around your foundation is appropriate. Don't let the soil around your Upper St. Clair 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 gutters or pipes, so you can get them repaired promptly.

Permits are needed for most foundation repairs, but applying for one won't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should get the permit and all other documents required in Upper St. Clair, and should be able to provide the documents and/or explain the process if asked.

Signs that your foundation needs waterproofing include white powder or spots on your walls, discoloration or odors, uneven floors, hairline cracks, basement flooding, or signs of fungus, mold, or mildew. 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 is generally less costly than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing can involve things like applying physical barriers to crawl spaces and basements, making landscape changes, or installing exterior drains.

Foundation repairs can sometimes, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they meet the criteria of an improvement that will add to a home's overall value, prolong its life, or adapt it to new uses. In some cases, making capital improvements helps you qualify for tax breaks. (Talk to your Pennsylvania tax professional for the most accurate information.) Even without these tax breaks, foundation repairs will generally have a positive effect on your home's value.