Get matched with top concrete repair specialists in Rangely, CO

Most single-story homes don't have foundations strong enough to support a second story, but they can be reinforced for an addition. A structural engineer can assess your foundation and what needs to be done to get it ready. They'll look at any cracks or unevenness in your current foundation and consider any special framing or beams your home needs, especially if it’s in a high-wind or hurricane area.

“To support a second story, many structural engineers will require that you install additional concrete piers in the crawlspace,” says Tschudi. “This involves hand excavating, pouring a large concrete footing—usually with specially coated rebar—and then building concrete piers right up to the girders.”

Minor slab leaks normally take around three hours to access and fix, provided the leak is in an accessible location. However, a more extensive leak or a leak in a hard-to-reach location can take several days to fix, depending on the resulting damage. You might also want to consider the timeline for the build-back if the leak damages building materials like flooring or cabinets, which can take several weeks, including delivery of the materials.

The actual foundation repair costs will depend on the extent of the damage, how many blocks you need, labor costs, and material costs. As an estimate, the average repair costs for a cinder block foundation fall between $350 and $25,000. Because the range is so large, it’s important to call a professional foundation repair company and have them assess the damage and estimate the repair costs.

Regular inspections, proper drainage management, and ensuring soil stability help prevent future settlement issues.