5 Questions to Ask About Concrete Foundation Repair

Foundation repairs are nothing to mess with. An unstable or cracked foundation can affect your home’s structural integrity. But if you address potential issues as soon as you notice them, you can keep your home sturdy and safe for years. Before you hire a foundation repair contractor, consider these five questions.

1. When do you need the work done?

The urgency of the project will dictate its cost. A minor crack in the foundation wall isn’t an immediate problem if you call a local concrete foundation repair pro to fix it as soon as you notice it. However, large cracks, bowing walls, or foundation leaks are more worrying and must be addressed as quickly as possible, which may warrant an emergency call-out fee. Non-urgent repairs can be scheduled during the “off-season,” typically winter, when costs may be lower.

2. What issues have you noticed?

The type of issue you have with your concrete foundation will determine the kind of repair you need. The most common problems include cracks, leaks, and bowing walls. The home settling or poor soil drainage can cause these and more issues. Foundation repair costs $2,220 to $8,110, but repairing a foundation after a home has settled can cost as much as $25,000. Minor cracks can be patched for as little as $250, but larger or more severe cracks could cost as much as $800.

3. What area do you need repaired?

Many concrete foundation repairs take place on the home’s main foundation. However, you might need your garage or shed foundation repaired. Repairing a concrete pad under a shed or garage is more straightforward (and cheaper) than repairing a home’s foundation.

4. Will you need landscaping and drainage systems replaced or installed?

You will likely need some landscaping work if your foundation issues are caused by poor soil drainage or improper yard slope. A landscaper near you can regrade your yard so the earth slopes away from the foundation, directing water away. Yard leveling costs between $1,020 and $3,340 but can prevent more costly future foundation repairs. A foundation repair contractor or landscaper may recommend installing a French drain or dry well to help with water management. A French drain costs between $500 and $18,000 to install, while a dry well costs $1,340 to $5,170.

5. How can you maintain your concrete foundation?

Proper foundation maintenance can help prevent costly foundation repairs. Ask your foundation repair contractor for tips on keeping your foundation in good shape. They may recommend regrading the land, adding a root barrier to prevent tree roots from growing into the foundation, keeping your home’s temperature constant year-round, and conducting annual plumbing tests to prevent damaging leaks. You can also arrange a yearly foundation inspection to catch any issues early before they become more costly to repair.