11 Best Foundation Companies in Norfolk, VA

The total cost of foundation repair is based on a number of factors. Things like the extent of the damage, the size of your home, and the type of repair needed will all play a part. On average, Norfolk homeowners spend about $2,711. The fastest way to find out how much a job is going to cost is to contact a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

Click here for a more thorough breakdown of the cost of foundation repair 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 contractor will perform an inspection and take necessary measures to remedy cracks or leaks. The price will vary depending 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 cost will depend on how many piers are needed. The price of stabilization varies similarly. This process involves fixing bowing walls by reinforcing them with steel or carbon fiber strips. The total cost will depend on the material chosen and how many strips are used.

Lastly, waterproofing is an overarching term for a category of repairs intended to prevent water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can include exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and the price can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're planning to waterproof your foundation.

One way to protect your foundation is to make sure that it gets the proper level of moisture. Avoid letting the soil around your Norfolk 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. You should also be sure to promptly identify and fix any leaking pipes or gutters.

If you think there may be any problems with your foundation, you can call a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will run you a few hundred dollars, but the consultation can provide you with 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 a soil report is done. This report provides information regarding how well the soil on your property will be able to support a foundation and highlights potential future problems.

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

The two broad categories of waterproofing are interior and exterior waterproofing. Interior waterproofing tends to be less expensive, and can involve measures like the use of sealants or the installation of sump pumps or drains. Exterior waterproofing tends to be more expensive but more effective. Exterior waterproofing can involve things like landscaping changes, external drains, or physical barriers to stop water from getting into basements and crawl spaces.

You might not love the idea of spending money to hire someone for what seems like a small foundation repair. However, it's always good to consult a professional. This way, you can avoid potential future issues that could be even more expensive. You may be able to repair small hairline cracks yourself, but it's always a smart idea to get an expert opinion first.