11 Best Foundation Companies in Chattanooga, TN

On average, Chattanooga homeowners spend roughly $2,662 on foundation repair. The cost of foundation repair will vary greatly depending on several factors. Things like the type of repair needed, the extent of the damage, and the size of your home will all play a part. The best way to find out how much a job may cost is to contact a local foundation repair expert 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 what they sound like: your foundation contractor will perform an inspection and take necessary measures to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs will depend on the size and cause of the problem.

Underpinning, also called leveling or piering, is when a contractor levels your foundation by underpinning it with large concrete piers. The cost will depend on how many piers are used. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process reinforces bowing walls with steel or carbon fiber strips, and the total cost will depend on what material is used 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 the price can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're interested in waterproofing your foundation.

To protect your foundation, you should make sure it has the right amount of moisture, especially in hot weather. Chattanooga 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. Additionally, make sure that you quickly identify and repair any leaking gutters or pipes.

If you have any concerns about your foundation, you can contact a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will cost a few hundred dollars, but the consultation can provide you with a list of potential concerns as well as more ideas to help you further protect your foundation. Finally, if you're constructing a new home, make sure to have a soil report done. This report provides information regarding how well the soil on your property will be able to support a foundation and highlights any potential future issues.

Foundation repair usually requires a permit, but obtaining one isn't your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should put together the permit and all other documents required in Chattanooga, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents before starting work.

If your foundation needs waterproofing, you'll start to notice signs like uneven floors, discoloration or odors, hairline cracks, white powder or spots on your walls, basement flooding, or signs of mold, mildew, or fungus.

In general, foundation repairs will positively affect the value of your home. In some cases, foundation repairs may be considered 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. Speak with your Tennessee tax professional to learn more.