12 Best Foundation Companies in Laurel Hill, VA

On average, Laurel Hill homeowners pay around $3,385 for foundation repair, although the cost will depend on several factors. The easiest way to get an estimate for the cost of a specific project is to solicit quotes from one or more local foundation repair companies. Your total cost will be affected by things like the type of the repair(s) and the size of your house.

Click here to read a more thorough breakdown of foundation repair costs in Virginia.

The main 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 repair expert 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 piering or leveling, is the process of leveling 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 varies similarly. This process fixes bowing walls by reinforcing them with steel or carbon fiber strips, and the total cost will depend on what material and how many strips are used.

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

Permits are needed for most foundation repairs, but acquiring one will not be your responsibility. Your foundation repair company should obtain the permit and all other documents required in Laurel Hill, and should be able to provide the documents and/or explain the process if asked.

Most of the time, your foundation repair technician will be licensed as a general contractor. In Virginia, contractor licenses are issued by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Licenses come in classes A, B, or C. This determines the value of projects that a contractor can undertake. A license can also have one of several specialty classifications, which have their own experience and examination requirements on top of the general license competency requirements. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.

In some cases, 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. In some cases, making capital improvements allows you to qualify for tax breaks. (Contact your Virginia tax professional for more information.) This aside, foundation repairs will, in most cases, positively affect your home's value.

You may be able to take care of small hairline cracks yourself, but in most cases, it's a good idea to consult a professional before starting any kind of foundation work. While you may balk at the idea of paying someone for a task you feel like you can handle yourself, mistakes made during foundation repair can cost you much more in the future.