10 best foundation repair companies in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina

The foundation plays an important role in supporting your home. Without a reliable foundation, everything in your house can start to collapse, leading to dangerous living conditions for you and your family. Exterior cracks on or around your home are a warning sign that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected right away by a foundation repair expert.

Foundations in Fuquay-Varina are vulnerable to shifting and cracking due to the cold weather in the area. When built-up groundwater gets cold enough to freeze and solidify, it can cause significant damage to your foundation.

Not only are homes with foundation problems dangerous, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to take on the expense of foundation repair or the hazard of related problems. When it comes time to sell, your home's market value will increase if you fix your foundation issues. If your foundation is in danger, contact a foundation repair company in Fuquay-Varina immediately.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Fuquay-Varina

Look for foundation repair companies in Fuquay-Varina 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?

Your foundation will give you several hints that it requires repair, with each having a different level of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically your first sign of trouble and something you can catch early on if you regularly check the concrete and support framing around and under your house.
• Uneven floors: An unlevel foundation will cause your floors to become unlevel. You may notice higher and lower points or feel spots that are somewhat bouncy.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of cracking or begins to tilt, it can indicate that your foundation is already in trouble.
• Moisture in the crawl space: The presence of mildew, mold and moisture in your crawl space can be a solid sign of future foundation problems, including a sinking foundation.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay alert for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to emerge more often. Cracks in the ceiling may also signify foundation problems.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a broken foundation tilts, spaces form in the walls, causing doors to jam when closed or not close correctly.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or detach from their frames when your foundation pulls the walls away from their initial location.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies offer a variety of services from leak repair to stabilization. Even if you don't know what specifically is wrong with your foundation, a professional will inspect it and suggest a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: The service provider's first step is to find the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, particularly in the basement, or the result of plumbing problems or improper water redirection. Once they find the cause, the repair technician will isolate the leak, fix the problem and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks stops moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The crack's size, angle and position determine the type of sealant used. After cleaning out the crack, the repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that doesn't crack or bubble over time from temperature fluctuations, or an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is a heavily involved process that adds strength to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Contractors use this technique to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's generally used when a foundation is failing, or the use of the building has changed and additional space is needed either on top of the foundation or as a basement. Soil is removed from the area and replaced by concrete, creating a brand-new foundation. Prices vary based on the technical skill required, the number of piers added and the process.
• Stabilization: Stabilization can stop further damage if your foundation has already begun to sink. This service supports your foundation by maintaining its position and preventing additional movement. It won't level out your home, but it's more economical and less invasive than leveling.
• Waterproofing: One of the best ways to avoid future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to channel water that has entered your crawl space or basement. Exterior waterproofing uses a moisture barrier, speed strip, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to stop water from entering at all. If you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space, you will want to choose the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Fuquay-Varina

Repairing your foundation is essential, so you need to choose the right professional for the job. To determine your best fit, ask potential foundation repair professionals the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should possess licenses and insurance to protect you and your home. Foundation repair professionals in North Carolina are required to have either a Building or Residential Contractor License from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.

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

Find out if the contractor can figure out what is causing the problem and what they think is the best remedy. If they recommend raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the quoted price is too high, you can ask if stabilization is a possibility instead. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair professional to make sure you have a thorough understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each. If you don't feel like the answer they give you is thorough 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 prospective companies for a quote. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from materials to time on site, especially if there are different options. Often, professionals will offer quotes for free. Get a few estimates so you can compare prices. The overall cost depends on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the damage has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

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

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask what warranties the company offers so you know what kind of coverage you can expect once the repairs are finished. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty, covering specific costs, such as materials used, for a specific number of years after the job is finished.

How long will the repairs take?

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

Fixing cracks and leaks can be finished in a matter of days if there isn't any other damage, while waterproofing may take anywhere from a day to a week, depending on the extent of the job. A pier repair often requires three to four weeks, while underpinning takes between four and six weeks.

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

While foundation repairs are underway, you can often remain inside your home. You may have to leave if the contractor has to cut into your floors or ceiling, such as when they're installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Fuquay-Varina home?

It's essential to consult a specialist if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take preventative measures to shield your home's foundation from damage in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're in the process of constructing a new house, have a conversation with your contractor about what steps they will take during foundation installation. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared lot before concrete is poured for the foundation. Additionally, adequate drainage is key to stop water from accumulating on or near the concrete slab. Proper curing of your concrete is essential after it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's width, the curing process may need up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Conducting regular inspections is the most effective way to protect your home's foundation. During these checks, keep an eye out for any cracking, breaking or shifting in or around your concrete slab. Make sure you take a look at your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also suggest foundation damage.

Clean off dirt and debris from around your foundation's base as buildup can trap moisture and result in mold that threatens your foundation. Adequate air circulation around your home is essential, so cut back any plants growing against it. Additionally, make sure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home to prevent potential damage.

In Fuquay-Varina, the intense heat can lead to foundation shrinkage and cracking. To prevent this, you may want to water your concrete slab from time to time, particularly during the hot summer months.

Lastly, keep your gutters clean. Gutters channel rainwater away from your foundation and siding, preventing water accumulation that can cause water damage.

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.