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Avatar for Level Foundation Repair & Waterproofing

Level Foundation Repair & Waterproofing

3425 Mormon Coulee Rd
5.00(
2
)

Level Foundation Repair & Waterproofing

3425 Mormon Coulee Rd
5.00(
2
)
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers

We are a team of well-educated professionals with a company culture of mutual respect and trust. We deliver quality projects on time and within budget because we have genuinely care and concern for our customers. About the owners: Levi Bechtum has been in the construction industry for the past 12 years. His primary focus has been in remodel construction, excavation and plumbing. Born and raised in La Crosse, Levi attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse where he majored in Accounting and Finance. Levi lives in La Crosse with his wife and two kids. During his free time, Levi enjoys taking his family camping, buying reduced and damaged produce at the grocery store, creating small batches of charcuterie with his grandma’s recipes and organizing messy spaces—specifically tools. Josh Hutson grew up in rural Washington State. His family operated a sustainable organic hobby farm in addition to logging and excavating. Hard work and family values weren’t talked about as much as they were lived. In 2004, Josh left high school to enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he deployed twice to Iraq. He was later awarded a scholarship to attend Norwich University in Vermont and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon graduating with a degree in History and Creative Writing. He has held roles at the US State Department and most recently was the Director of Business Development at a regional construction firm. Josh is committed to excellence. He enjoys providing long lasting solutions to complex problems, and is ultimately driven by wanting to help and serve. Josh lives in La Crosse with his wife and three children. He enjoys playing in the park near his house, eating ice cream and shooting things from very long distances.

"Quick and efficient. Nice work."

Ann V on August 2019

We are a team of well-educated professionals with a company culture of mutual respect and trust. We deliver quality projects on time and within budget because we have genuinely care and concern for our customers. About the owners: Levi Bechtum has been in the construction industry for the past 12 years. His primary focus has been in remodel construction, excavation and plumbing. Born and raised in La Crosse, Levi attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse where he majored in Accounting and Finance. Levi lives in La Crosse with his wife and two kids. During his free time, Levi enjoys taking his family camping, buying reduced and damaged produce at the grocery store, creating small batches of charcuterie with his grandma’s recipes and organizing messy spaces—specifically tools. Josh Hutson grew up in rural Washington State. His family operated a sustainable organic hobby farm in addition to logging and excavating. Hard work and family values weren’t talked about as much as they were lived. In 2004, Josh left high school to enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he deployed twice to Iraq. He was later awarded a scholarship to attend Norwich University in Vermont and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon graduating with a degree in History and Creative Writing. He has held roles at the US State Department and most recently was the Director of Business Development at a regional construction firm. Josh is committed to excellence. He enjoys providing long lasting solutions to complex problems, and is ultimately driven by wanting to help and serve. Josh lives in La Crosse with his wife and three children. He enjoys playing in the park near his house, eating ice cream and shooting things from very long distances.

"Quick and efficient. Nice work."

Ann V on August 2019

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

Almost all new buildings in California need an earthquake shut-off valve. The requirements for an earthquake gas shut-off valve (and who can install it) depend on where you live. For example, according to the Los Angeles Municipal Code, you’re required to hire a licensed contractor to install one whenever you build, sell, or renovate a home. Check with your local building department for your city’s laws on installing, permitting, and inspecting earthquake shut-off valves.

Many homeowners want to know whether earthquake retrofitting is tax deductible. Because it’s often considered a capital improvement, you usually can’t deduct it. In some cases and locations, you may qualify for tax incentives, but you’ll need to talk to a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about your specific circumstances. You may also be able to find grant money for seismic upgrades, which can lower the cost of your insurance premiums and save money over time.

An earthquake retrofit is essential for safety in an earthquake-prone area. Without proper retrofitting, your home is at risk of sliding off the foundation, shifting, or collapsing.

You may also require a retrofit if your home was built before 1980 when building codes began requiring reinforcing, bracing, and bolting for new construction. You may not be eligible for insurance to help pay for earthquake-related damages without a retrofit.

Projects will vary based on size and scope, but an average earthquake retrofit takes between two weeks and two months. This includes the initial evaluation and plan, bidding and contract paperwork, permitting and approval process, actual work, and final inspection. Your contractor should give you a more accurate time estimate for your specific project, and they may be able to estimate how long the permitting process will take for your area.

According to the Earthquake Country Alliance—a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness—reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn’t as stable as other building materials and methods.

The Chatfield, MN homeowners’ guide to earthquake retrofitting services

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

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