Should I repair or replace crumbling concrete steps before adding a railing?

• <div><p>Crumbling concrete steps will affect your ability to drill into the material and affix a sturdy railing. If the damage is primarily cosmetic, you might be able to DIY the repair with a patch kit. If the concrete is badly crumbling, hire a professional who specializes in pouring concrete. The average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-repair-chipped-broken-concrete-step-steps-lead-front-door.htm">concrete step repair cost</a> is <b>$500</b> from a professional, but the extent of the damage will determine your actual cost. The professional may recommend a replacement if the damage is extensive.</p></div>

How do I know if my foundation is slab-on-grade?

• <div><p>If you don’t have any access to or knowledge of any area underneath your home, chances are it’s built slab-on-grade. You can also look for the concrete around the bottom edge of your structure; if it’s just a few inches tall, it’s likely a slab. If it’s more than that, has any windows, or you have steps leading to your main entrance, you likely have a different foundation style.</p></div>

Top-rated foundation repair specialists.

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Q: When should I be worried about foundation settling?

• <div><p>Foundation settlement should be a concern if you notice it happening suddenly and years after construction, if the settlement results in signs of structural damage in your home, or if it happens after a flood, nearby sinkhole, or earthquake. Some signs of severe foundation settlement that should prompt you to call a repair specialist include sloping or uneven floors, large cracks in your foundation, moisture issues or pest infestation in your basement or crawl space, and an uneven roofline.</p></div>

Q: Is it worth it to repair your foundation?

• <div><p>Yes, foundation repairs are worth it if you have a significant problem or see signs that could worsen if not dealt with. If your foundation fails, your home can lose up to 20% of its value. Protecting your home from serious structural damage and avoiding more costly repairs later is well worth the money.</p></div>

Q: How do I know if my foundation is slab-on-grade?

• <div><p>If you don&rsquo;t have any access to or knowledge of any area underneath your home, chances are it&rsquo;s built slab-on-grade. You can also look for the concrete around the bottom edge of your structure; if it&rsquo;s just a few inches tall, it&rsquo;s likely a slab. If it&rsquo;s more than that, has any windows, or you have steps leading to your main entrance, you likely have a different foundation style.</p></div>

Q: What are the warning signs of a serious concrete crack?

• <div><p>Minor hairline cracks in your concrete may not look pretty, but they&rsquo;re often not serious. It&rsquo;s when concrete cracks are larger&mdash;wide enough that you can slide a credit card into it&mdash;that you need to worry. If you monitor a crack and can trace its active expansion over time, you&rsquo;ll definitely want to call in a pro to inspect it and, potentially, repair it. Want to prevent cracks in your garage and driveway concrete in the future? Stay on top of sealing. Here&rsquo;s how to seal your concrete garage floor and driveway.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Foundation Repair pros in Ester, AK

*The Angi rating for Foundation Repair companies in Ester, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Foundation Repair needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Foundation Repair companies in Ester, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Foundation Repair needs.

Last update on July 13, 2024

Reviewed in July 2024
I have had several homes repaired over the years by numerous contractors and this is by far the best experience I have ever had!! Would recommend 10/10!!
I. E. J., LLC
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Reviewed in February 2024
Repaired multiple holes in my drywall, large and small. Did the job correctly and professionally. He placed backer board, sheetrock patches, dry wall tape around the edges, and speckled in multiple coats. Then he sanded the areas, applied texture, and cleaned up all the debris. The repaired...
Armor Maintenance
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Reviewed in October 2023
Branden was great to work with. He and his crew did a fantastic job of replacing our 20+ year old deck foundation. We had great communication and the job was done quickly and well. I recommend Roybal Construction highly!
Roybal Construction LLC
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Reviewed in June 2023
The repair guy will be back with my parts and will be doing a maintenance job on my dryer 10-14 days when the washer parts come in. He requested a 50% down payment before parts were order.
Appliance Doctor
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Reviewed in May 2022
These guys are a new small business and have been a pleasure to work with so far and know their stuff. We had a door installed and a deck / stairs repaired and we'll be moving onto our kitchen next. All in all, fantastic service and friendly people! A good option for interior Alaska.
A & A Services
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Reviewed in February 2021
I called three months ago to have an expansion tank and zone switches replaced on my boiler. They did not bring out any parts in order to repair. So they come out a second time to do the job. Was it fixed? No, zone switch failed and they left the water off for the basement. Third time they came...
Glacier Point Services (formerly Stack Company)
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Reviewed in November 2020
Eric completed a garage ceiling repair for us and did a great job! He matched the pattern on the wallboard very nicely. He called to make sure we were satisfied with his job afterwards. I will definitely use WallDocs again.
Walldocs
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Reviewed in September 2020
This a very responsive company & the owner worked directly with my insurance company. The crew was punctual & the repairs were a test of their Excellent skills to say the least. I will definitely call them if I ever need any other work to done.
Rhino Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2016
Extraordinary service. Answered phone on first ring, came same day after hours, diagnosed and repaired our furnace in less than an hour. Made some no-pressure safety and improvement suggestions. All this with a very friendly attitude and fair price. Thank you Randy and Karl. You have a new...
Randy's Heating
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Reviewed in November 2016
They charged my wife while I was out of town part after part claiming it needed the repair and yet regardless the car still had the same problem happening every time she drove. They charged her hundreds for each repair literally raping her of cash. They do not care about customer service only...
University Chevron
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Find Foundation repair specialists in Ester

I. E. J., LLC

5.0(

)

Concrete Foundation - Repair

Serving Ester, AK and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"I have had several homes repaired over the years by numerous contractors and this is by far the best experience I have ever had!! Would recommend 10/10!!"

+62

Response time11 hrs

Response rate98%

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Rhino Construction, LLC

5.0(

)

Foundation Drainage - Install or ReplaceFoundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / Encapsulation

Serving Ester, AK and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

"very professional. had a number of jobs that needed to be done. am very satisfied by the results of their work. would hire them again when I need other jobs done."

+102

Response time6 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Foundation Drainage - Install or Replace

Serving Ester, AK and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Employed all CoViD precautions. I felt very safe having a stranger in my house at this time. So nice having full power back."

Response time1 day

Recommended by66%of homeowners

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Foundation Drainage - Install or ReplaceFoundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / Encapsulation

Serving Ester, AK and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were good. They were pretty fast and came on time. My overall experience with them has been good."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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Sub Zero Recovery & Removal

New to Angi

Foundation Drainage - Install or Replace

Serving Ester, AK and surrounding areas

In business since 1973

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Here at Sub Zero Recovery & Removal we are here for all your needs. We have over 30 years of experience and have worked all around the Fairbanks area. We cater to every unique situation. We do both commercial and residential plowing. We also specialize in excavation work and construction clean ups. No matter the job, Sub Zero Recovery & Removal has you covered. Call us today!

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Nifty Solutions LLC

New to Angi

Poured Concrete Wall - Repair

Serving Ester, AK and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We are a multiple service company providing Handyman services and concrete services at competitive rates

Request Quote

Foundation Repair questions, answered by experts

Foundation settlement should be a concern if you notice it happening suddenly and years after construction, if the settlement results in signs of structural damage in your home, or if it happens after a flood, nearby sinkhole, or earthquake. Some signs of severe foundation settlement that should prompt you to call a repair specialist include sloping or uneven floors, large cracks in your foundation, moisture issues or pest infestation in your basement or crawl space, and an uneven roofline.

Yes, foundation repairs are worth it if you have a significant problem or see signs that could worsen if not dealt with. If your foundation fails, your home can lose up to 20% of its value. Protecting your home from serious structural damage and avoiding more costly repairs later is well worth the money.

Crumbling concrete steps will affect your ability to drill into the material and affix a sturdy railing. If the damage is primarily cosmetic, you might be able to DIY the repair with a patch kit. If the concrete is badly crumbling, hire a professional who specializes in pouring concrete. The average concrete step repair cost is $500 from a professional, but the extent of the damage will determine your actual cost. The professional may recommend a replacement if the damage is extensive.

If you don’t have any access to or knowledge of any area underneath your home, chances are it’s built slab-on-grade. You can also look for the concrete around the bottom edge of your structure; if it’s just a few inches tall, it’s likely a slab. If it’s more than that, has any windows, or you have steps leading to your main entrance, you likely have a different foundation style.

Minor hairline cracks in your concrete may not look pretty, but they’re often not serious. It’s when concrete cracks are larger—wide enough that you can slide a credit card into it—that you need to worry. If you monitor a crack and can trace its active expansion over time, you’ll definitely want to call in a pro to inspect it and, potentially, repair it. Want to prevent cracks in your garage and driveway concrete in the future? Stay on top of sealing. Here’s how to seal your concrete garage floor and driveway.

The Ester, AK homeowners’ guide to foundation repairs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Ginny Bartolone
•
Aug 3, 2026Aug 3, 2026
How Much Does Foundation Repair Cost? [2026 Data]
Foundation repair costs can be tricky when you have a large repair on your hands. This guide walks through costs from small cracks to total replacement.
Timothy Moore
•
Aug 5, 2026Aug 5, 2026
How Much Does Pier and Beam Foundation Repair Cost? [2026 Data]
Worried about pier and beam foundation repair costs? Get a better understanding of how to budget by learning about the repair methods available to you.
Kyle Schurman
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
How Much Does Underpinning a Foundation Cost? [2026 Data]
Unstable or sinking foundations require comprehensive and expensive solutions. Learn about foundation underpinning costs in this guide to set your budget.
Em Norton
•
Apr 6, 2026Apr 6, 2026
Who to Call to Repair Foundation Issues
Foundation issues are critical, so knowing how to manage them is too. Use this guide to learn who to call for foundation repair.
Catherine Hiles
•
Apr 6, 2026Apr 6, 2026
5 Questions to Ask About Concrete Foundation Repair
Minor foundation issues should be repaired before they become a major problem. When hiring a pro, consider these concrete foundation repair questions.
Em Norton
•
Jul 31, 2026Jul 31, 2026
What to Know Before Buying a House That Had Previous Foundation Repair
A house’s history of foundation repairs doesn’t always mean you shouldn’t buy it. Learn what to consider when purchasing a house with an unstable past.