10 best foundation repair companies in Horizon West, Florida

The foundation is the most important part of your home's structure. If your foundation isn't robust and reliable, it can cause your house to fall apart, leading to unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. If you notice any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be examined by a professional foundation repair technician urgently.

The average annual rainfall of 51 inches in Horizon West creates moisture risks for your foundation. As heavy rain soaks the ground surrounding your home, the soil absorbs the water and expands. This swelling soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, potentially causing the development of cracks and gaps.

Buyers are also hesitant to purchase a house with foundation troubles as they don't want to deal with the cost of foundation repair and the potentially unsafe conditions. When you decide to sell, your home's value will rise if you fix your foundation problems. Find a Horizon West foundation repair company as soon as possible if you think your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Horizon West

Look for foundation repair companies in Horizon West 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 hints your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly 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: Your floors will become uneven as your foundation does. You may notice varying heights in different areas or a bouncy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Moisture in the crawl space: The presence of mildew, moisture and mold in your crawl space can be a solid signal of future foundation problems, such as a sinking foundation.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems cracked or starts to slant, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural issues.
• Skewed windows or doors: A shifting foundation can cause your walls to move, leading to your doors or windows detaching from their frames or becoming misaligned with their jambs.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Watch for diagonal cracks in your walls, particularly if you start to see more than usual. Your foundation may also be damaged if you notice cracks in the ceiling.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a failing foundation changes position, gaps appear in the walls, causing doors to stick when closed or fail to close fully.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies provide a variety of services. Even if you don't know exactly what is wrong, a professional will assess your foundation and advise you on the best solution. These are some typical services offered by foundation repair companies in Horizon West:

• Leak repair: The provider's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, particularly in the basement, or the result of improper water redirection or plumbing problems. Once they find the cause, the repair pro will isolate the leak, repair the issue and give you waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The crack's angle, position and size determine which sealant the professional uses. After cleaning 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 an in-depth technique that adds support to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Contractors use this process to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's typically required 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. Costs vary based on the number of piers added, the process and the technical skill required.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has started to sink and you're looking for a solution that's more economical and less invasive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This approach supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The only downside is that it will not level out your home.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to stop future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing diverts water that has entered your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing stops water from getting in at all by using a moisture barrier, dimple board, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Use the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Horizon West

The right professional is essential when maintaining your foundation. To determine your best fit, ask potential foundation repair companies the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be insured and licensed to safeguard you and your home. Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation issues Certified Contractor Licenses in Building, General Contracting and Residential Construction for foundation repair professionals, while further certifications are required at the local level. If you aren’t sure if your contractor has the correct license, check with your city’s local licensing board or the National Foundation Repair Association.

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

To ensure a service provider is the right fit, ask if they know the source of the problem and what they think is the ideal remedy. If raising your slab is the fix they suggest, find out what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also ask if stabilization is a possibility if the quoted price is too high. Be sure to ask about the pros and cons of each solution, so you have a thorough understanding of your choices. You can always ask for a second opinion from a different provider if you don't agree with the answer or feel they aren't being detailed enough.

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. Most reputable companies will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get several for price comparison. The extent of the damage is the major factor that will determine the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

If you're looking for financing options, they may be available through your repair company directly or third-party groups that partner with them. Check for installment plans or a discount 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 done. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific expenses, such as materials used, for a certain number of years after the work is done.

How long will the repairs take?

The duration of foundation repairs can vary from a single day to two months based on how bad the damage is.

Crack and leak repairs can take a few days to fix if there isn't additional damage. Sealing can take anywhere from one day to a week, based on the extent of the project. A pier repair typically takes three to four weeks, while underpinning can take four to six weeks.

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

Foundation repair jobs are typically safe and unintrusive enough that you can comfortably remain inside your home throughout the job. You may have to leave or stay elsewhere if the contractor has to cut into your floor or ceiling, which is usually only needed for bigger projects such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Horizon West home?

If you think your home has foundation problems, it's best to consult a professional. That being said, you can take preventative measures to protect your home's foundation against future issues.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When building a new home, discuss the foundation installation process with your service provider. The land should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is spread over the ground before the concrete is poured. Your contractor should make sure there's proper drainage to stop water from pooling on or around the concrete slab. Once poured, your concrete has to cure completely. Based on the setting standards of the products used and the pour's width, the curing process may require up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Frequent inspections are the most effective way to safeguard your home's foundation. When you conduct an inspection, you must keep an eye out for signs of shifting, cracking or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Similar damage on your walls and framings frequently indicates foundation damage, so don't forget to check them too.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris as it can trap moisture and cause mold growth. Proper air circulation around your home is essential, so trim any plants growing against it. Additionally, make sure that trees and their roots are kept away from your home to avert potential damage.

In Horizon West, the intense heat can lead to foundation shrinkage and cracking. To prevent this, you should water your concrete slab from time to time, especially during the scorching summer months.

As a final step, don't forget to perform routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help stop water damage by channeling rainwater away from your 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.