11 Best Foundation Companies in Berea, SC

On average, Berea homeowners spend about $1,589 on foundation repair. The cost of foundation repair depends on several factors. Things like the size of your home, the extent of the damage, and the type of repair needed will all factor in. The easiest way to find out how much a job is going to cost is to contact 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. Costs will vary depending 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 price will be based on how many piers are used. The price of stabilization varies similarly. This process fixes bowing walls by reinforcing them with steel or carbon fiber strips, and the total cost will depend on the material chosen 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. This can involve exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and the price can vary widely. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're planning to waterproof your foundation.

If you're building a new house, make sure that a soil report is completed. This report contains information regarding how well your soil 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 alert you to any issues that need attention, and give you advice on how to avoid future problems.

Also ensure that the moisture around your foundation is appropriate, particularly when the weather gets hot. As Berea sees more rain than many other places, keep an eye on your gutters and landscaping to make sure too much water isn't getting into your soil or foundation. Also, be on the lookout for leaky pipes or gutters, so you can get them repaired promptly.

A permit is normally required for foundation repair, but acquiring one should not be your responsibility. Your foundation repair provider should get all the permits and other documents required in Berea, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents before starting work.

Some signs that your foundation needs waterproofing include discoloration or odors, uneven floors, basement flooding, hairline cracks, white powder or spots on your walls, or signs of fungus, mold, or mildew. Your contractor can inform 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 costly than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing can involve applying physical barriers to basements and crawl spaces, making changes to your landscaping, or installing exterior drains.

In some cases, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they fit 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. (Contact your South Carolina tax professional for the most accurate information.) Even without these tax breaks, foundation repairs will, in most cases, positively affect the value of your home.