4 best foundation repair companies in Dothan, Alabama

Your foundation supports your home's stability. A compromised foundation can cause your house to fall to pieces, creating dangerous conditions for you and your loved ones and pets. Cracks in or around the outside of your home are a clear sign of foundation problems that require urgent action from a foundation repair professional.

Your foundation in Dothan may face moisture-related risks due to the area's high average rainfall of 51 inches annually. Heavy rain hitting the ground around your home causes the soil to absorb water and swell, which can put pressure on your foundation's concrete. The pressure from this expanding soil base may lead to the formation of cracks and holes.

Not only are homes with foundation troubles unsafe, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to deal with the expense of foundation repair or the challenge of related problems. When it comes time to sell, your home's value will rise if you resolve your foundation problems. If your foundation is at risk, locate a foundation repair company in Dothan immediately.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Dothan

Look for foundation repair companies in Dothan with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.

What are some signs you need foundation repair?

There are various clues your foundation needs attention, each with different levels of severity.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly the first indication of trouble. You can catch them early if you regularly check the concrete and support framing around and under your home.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of cracking or begins to lean, it can indicate that your foundation is already in trouble.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a damaged foundation tilts, spaces form in the walls, causing doors to catch when closed or not close properly at all.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Watch for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if you start to see more than usual. Your foundation may also be damaged if you find cracks in the ceiling.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Finding moisture, mildew and mold in your crawl space commonly points to future foundation issues, especially a sinking foundation.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes unlevel, so will your floors. They may have varying heights in different areas or seem springy as you walk on them.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that misalign with their jambs or detach from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is shifting the walls away from their initial position.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies offer a variety of services. Even if you don't know exactly what is wrong, a pro will assess your foundation and instruct you on the best solution. These are some common services offered by foundation repair pros in Dothan:

• Leak repair: First, the service provider will determine the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of plumbing issues or incorrect water redirection, or coming from a window, particularly in the basement. Then, the repair technician will isolate the leak, fix the problem and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from rising through the soil and into your foundation, a professional can close cracks. Which sealant the technician uses is based on the crack's location, dimensions and orientation. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that endures varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also strong choices.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has started to sink, stabilization may be the best solution for preventing further damage. This service supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping any additional movement. It's more cost-effective and less disruptive than leveling. The main drawback is that it will not level out your house.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is an extensive technique that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Experts employ this process to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's typically required when a foundation is failing or when the building's use has changed, requiring additional space either above the foundation or as a basement. The process involves removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Prices vary depending on the method, the technical specialty required and the number of piers added.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is among the most effective ways to avert future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing permits water to enter your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to channel it. However, exterior waterproofing blocks water from getting in at all by adding a dimple board, speed strip, moisture barrier and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. You will want to opt for the exterior method if you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Dothan

Maintaining your foundation is essential, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair project, ask providers you're choosing between the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should have licenses and insurance to safeguard you and your home. Alabama foundation repair professionals must be Licensed Prime Contractors or Subcontractors with a Building Construction classification, and should be registered through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. You can also check with the National Foundation Repair Association to determine if your repair company has the appropriate certifications for your specific job.

What do you think is the cause of the problem, and how do you recommend fixing it?

To ensure a contractor is the right fit, ask if they can identify the source of the problem and what they think is the ideal fix. If they recommend raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the price estimate is too high, you can ask if stabilization is a possibility instead. Be sure to ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each solution, so you have a thorough understanding of your choices. If you don't think the answer they give you is good enough, or you don't like it, you can always get a second opinion from a different contractor.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost you. For projects where you have to choose between different choices, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to labor hours. Often, contractors will offer quotes for free. Get multiple quotes so you can compare prices. The overall cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the problem reaches.

Do you offer financing options?

Your contractor may offer financing options, including payment plans, directly or through a third-party company. The foundation repair provider may also offer a percentage off if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask about a company's warranty options to understand what kind of coverage you'll have after the repairs are complete. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific expenses, such as materials used, for a certain number of years.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repair timelines can vary significantly, from one day to as long as two months based on the extent of the damage.

In the absence of additional issues, crack and leak repairs may be finished within a couple of days, while waterproofing projects can fluctuate between one day and a week, depending on the scale of the job. Expect pier repairs to take three to four weeks, and underpinning to require four to six weeks.

Can I remain in my home while foundation repairs are being completed?

You can typically stay inside your home while foundation repairs are carried out. You may have to relocate if the service provider has to cut into your floors or ceiling, such as for installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Dothan home?

Although consulting an expert is essential if you suspect you have foundation problems, there are preventative measures you can take to better safeguard your home's foundation from future issues.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're in the process of building a new home, have a conversation with your contractor about their approach to foundation installation. The area should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is spread over the ground before the concrete is poured. Proper drainage must also be established to prevent water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. The concrete should be allowed to cure properly after it's poured. Your contractor must follow the setting standards for the products used and the thickness of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

The most effective approach to protect your foundation from future damage is through consistent inspections. As you perform these checks, watch closely for any breaking, shifting or cracking in or near the slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings often indicates foundation issues, so don't forget to check them too.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris buildup since it can trap moisture and lead to mold growth. Cut back plants against your home to allow for adequate air circulation, and make sure trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home.

Foundations in Dothan are at risk for foundation shrinkage and cracking due to the extreme heat during the summer. To help prevent concrete shrinkage, you may want to water your concrete slab during the hot summer months.

Lastly, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help stop water damage by redirecting rainwater away from your house's foundation and siding, where it can pool.

Our methodology for selecting foundation repair companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.