11 Best Foundation Companies in Norfolk, VA

On average, Norfolk homeowners spend roughly $2,000 on foundation repair. The total cost of foundation repair is based on several factors. Things like the type of repair needed, the extent of the damage, and the size of your home will all help determine the cost. The easiest way to find out how much a job is going to cost is to reach out to 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 exactly as they sound: your foundation contractor will perform an inspection and complete any repairs necessary to remedy cracks or leaks. The price 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 steel or carbon fiber strips, and the cost will depend on the material chosen and how many strips are used.

Lastly, waterproofing is an overarching term for a number of jobs intended to stop water from getting into your foundation. This can involve exterior waterproofing, interior 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 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 have any concerns about your foundation, you can reach out to a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will run you a few hundred dollars, but the consultation can net you a list of things to be aware of as well as additional steps to further protect your foundation. Lastly, if you're constructing a new house, ensure that you have a soil report done. This report provides information about how well the soil on your property will be able to support a foundation and highlights any potential future issues.

Your foundation repair expert should acquire the needed permits. You can ask the company to provide a detailed explanation of its process and to see the permits and paperwork it has acquired to confirm everything is properly authorized per Norfolk regulations.

You may be able to take care of small hairline cracks yourself, but in general, you should consult a professional before you start any kind of foundation work. Although you may balk at the idea of paying someone for a job you feel like you can handle yourself, foundation repair mistakes can cost you much more in the future.

Foundation repairs can sometimes, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they meet the criteria of an improvement that will add to your house's overall value, prolong its life, or adapt it to new uses. Making capital improvements sometimes allows you to qualify for tax breaks. (Speak with your Virginia tax professional for more information.) This aside, foundation repairs will, in most cases, positively affect your home's value.