11 Best Foundation Companies in Seattle, WA

On average, Seattle homeowners pay roughly $3,041 for foundation repair, although the total cost will vary widely depending on several factors. The fastest way to get an estimate for the cost of a specific project is to ask for quotes from a handful of local foundation repair companies. The total price will be affected by things like the size of your house and type of repair(s) needed.

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 based 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 cost will depend on how many piers are used. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process reinforces bowing walls with carbon fiber or steel strips, and the cost will depend on the material 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. This can include exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're interested in waterproofing your foundation.

When building a new house, make sure that a soil report is completed. This report contains information regarding how well your soil can support a foundation, and can offer you a heads-up about potential future problems. If your concerns are about an existing home, a few hundred dollars will cover an inspection and report by a structural engineer. They can point you to any things that need attention, and give you advice on how to avoid future problems.

You also want to make sure that the moisture around your foundation is at an appropriate level. As Seattle sees more rain than many other places, keep an eye on your gutters and landscaping to make sure too much water isn't getting into your soil or foundation. You should also stay vigilant for leaky gutters or pipes, so you can get them repaired quickly.

Permits are needed for most foundation repairs, but getting one isn't your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should put together the permit and all other documents required in Seattle, and should be able to provide the documents and/or explain the process before starting work.

Most of the time, yes, you can continue living in your home while foundation repair experts are working on it. Talk to your foundation repair technician to be certain.

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