11 Best Foundation Companies in Charleston, SC

On average, Charleston homeowners spend around $2,733 on foundation repair. The amount you'll spend on foundation repair depends on a number of factors. Things like the size of your home, the type of repair needed, and the extent of the damage will all help determine the cost. The best way to find out how much a job is going to cost is to speak with a local foundation repair expert and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

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, completing an inspection, and using various measures to remedy leaks or cracks. The cost of these procedures can vary greatly depending on the size and root cause of the issue.

Stabilization involves reinforcing bowing walls by inserting steel or carbon fiber strips. The cost will depend on the material chosen and how many strips are required. The cost of underpinning also varies. This process, also called leveling or piering, involves underpinning your foundation with concrete piers to level it; the cost is based on how many piers are needed.

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

If you're constructing a new home, have a soil report 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 your concerns are about an existing house, for a few hundred dollars, you can get an inspection and report by a structural engineer. They can point you to any things that need attention, and advise you on how to avoid future problems.

You also want to make sure that the moisture around your foundation is appropriate, particularly when the weather gets hot. As Charleston 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 and repair them promptly.

A permit is normally required for foundation repair, but applying for one shouldn't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair provider should get the permit and all other documents required in Charleston, and should be able to provide the documents and/or explain the process before starting work.

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. Making capital improvements sometimes allows you to qualify for tax breaks. (Contact your South Carolina tax professional for more information.) Tax breaks aside, foundation repairs will generally have a positive effect on the value of your home.

In general, home insurance doesn't cover foundation repairs, unless the repair is to fix damage caused by a covered weather event. It's a good idea to talk to your home insurance company before you begin any foundation repairs.