10 Best Foundation Companies in Burlington, VT

On average, Burlington homeowners spend around $2,884 on foundation repair. The cost of foundation repair depends on several factors. Things like the extent of the damage, the type of repair needed, and the size of your home will all help determine the cost. The easiest way to find out how much a job could cost is to contact a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

The main types of foundation repair are crack repair, leak repair, underpinning, stabilization, and waterproofing.

Crack repair and leak repair are what they sound like: your foundation repair expert will perform an inspection and take necessary measures to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs will vary depending on the size and cause of the issue.

Underpinning, also called piering or leveling, 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 needed. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process fixes bowing walls by reinforcing them with carbon fiber or steel strips. The cost will depend on the material chosen and how many strips are used.

Finally, waterproofing is an overarching term for a number of jobs intended to prevent water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can include 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.

When caring for your foundation, you should make sure that it has the proper level of moisture. Avoid letting the soil around your Burlington house become too wet or too dry – make changes to your gutter system to route water away, or water your foundation if it starts to get too dry. Also make sure that you promptly identify and fix any leaking gutters or pipes.

If you have any concerns about your foundation, you can contact a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will run you a few hundred dollars, but the engineer's consultation can net you a list of potential concerns as well as steps you can take to further protect your foundation. Lastly, if you're building a new house, be sure that you 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 potential future issues.

A permit is normally required for foundation repair, but obtaining one shouldn't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair provider should put together the permit and all other documents required in Burlington, and should be able to provide the documents and/or explain the process if asked.

Some indicators that your foundation needs waterproofing include basement flooding, uneven floors, hairline cracks, white powder or spots on your walls, discoloration or odors, or signs of mildew, fungus, or mold. Your contractor can inform you whether you need interior or exterior waterproofing.

Interior waterproofing can involve the installation of sump pumps and drains or the use of sealants and is generally less expensive than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing can involve applying physical barriers to crawl spaces and basements, making landscape changes, or installing exterior drains.

Generally, foundation repairs will positively affect your home's value. In some cases, you may be able to consider foundation repair a capital improvement, which can sometimes allow you to qualify for tax breaks. A capital improvement is generally defined as one that will add to a home's overall market value, prolong its life, or adapt it to new uses. Speak with your Vermont tax professional for the most accurate information.