10 best foundation repair companies in Indianapolis, Indiana

The foundation is a critical part of your home. Without a solid foundation, everything in your home can fall to pieces, resulting in unsafe living conditions for you and your family. Cracks in or around your home's exterior are an indicator that something is wrong with your foundation and should be checked immediately by a foundation repair professional.

Resolve foundation damage early on to stop further issues, including a sinking foundation, roof damage or cracking walls. You'll save money and headaches over time by addressing the problem while it's still minor.

Not only do foundation issues make your home dangerous, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are reluctant to take on the financial burden of foundation repair or related problems. Conversely, resolving your home's foundation issues will improve its value when you're ready to put it on the market. If your foundation is in jeopardy, get in touch with a foundation repair company in Indianapolis right away.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Indianapolis

Look for foundation repair companies in Indianapolis 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 repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are often your first sign of trouble and something you can catch early on if you regularly check the concrete and support framing under and around your home.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay alert for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to emerge more regularly. Cracks in the ceiling may also suggest foundation issues.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps open in the walls when a failing foundation shifts, resulting in doors that jam when closed or fail to shut fully.
• Moisture in the crawl space: The presence of mold, moisture and mildew in your crawl space often indicates future foundation troubles, especially a sinking foundation.
• 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.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of fracturing or begins to tilt, it can indicate that your foundation is already in trouble.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is pulling the walls away from their original position, windows and doors may become unaligned with their jambs, or pull apart from their frames.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies offer a range of services. Even if you don't know precisely 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 companies in Indianapolis:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have a few different causes, such as poor water redirection or plumbing problems, a service technician's first step is to determine the cause of the leak. Then, they will resolve the problem and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks stops moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The crack's size, angle and position determine which sealant the professional uses. 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 comprehensive technique that adds support to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Experts use this process to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's often needed 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 in the form of a basement. Soil is removed from the area and replaced by concrete, creating a brand-new foundation. Costs vary based on the process, the number of piers added and the technical skill required.
• Stabilization: Stabilization can stop further damage if your foundation has already started to sink. This approach supports your foundation by keeping it in place and stopping additional movement. It won't level out your home, but it's more economical and less disruptive than leveling.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the best ways to avoid future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing enables water to access your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to divert it. However, exterior waterproofing stops water from getting in at all by adding a speed strip, moisture barrier, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. You will want to choose the exterior method if you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Indianapolis

Ask potential foundation repair experts the following questions to hire the right fit for your project.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be licensed and insured to protect you and your home. In Indiana, foundation repair professionals aren't legally required to have any sort of licensing. However, we recommend that you should focus your search on pros with a contracting license, as these experts know their way around a home's essential structures and the appropriate safety measures.

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

Find out if the contractor knows what is causing the problem and what they think is the right solution. If they think raising your slab is the best course of action, find out what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also find out if stabilization is a reasonable alternative if the price estimate is too high. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair pro to make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each. Get a second opinion if you don't agree with the answer or feel like they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Get an estimate from the repair expert you're vetting to determine how much the job will cost. For projects where you have to choose between several alternatives, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to time on site. We recommend getting several quotes for price comparison, as most respectable providers will offer them for free. The overall cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the damage has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

If you're looking for financing options, they may be available through your contractor directly or external companies 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 so you'll know what coverage you'll have once the repairs are complete. They may provide a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific expenses, such as materials, for a set period following the completion of the job.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repairs can take anywhere from one day to two months, with the extent of the damage largely determining the timeline.

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?

While foundation repairs are carried out, you can typically stay inside your home. You may have to leave if the service provider cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as when they're installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Indianapolis home?

If you think your home has foundation issues, it's best to consult a professional. That being said, you can be proactive with certain strategies to prevent future issues.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're constructing a new house, ask your service provider about their foundation installation process. Before pouring the concrete, the lot should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the area. Additionally, adequate drainage is key to prevent water from gathering on or near the concrete slab. Proper curing of your concrete is essential once it's poured. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based on the specific products used and the width of the pour. Your contractor should comply with the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Conducting consistent inspections is the most reliable way to safeguard your home's foundation. During these inspections, look 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 point to foundation damage.

Clear away dirt and debris from around your foundation's base because buildup can trap moisture and result in mold that threatens your foundation. Cut back plants against your home to allow for proper air circulation, and ensure trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home.

The summers in Indianapolis are fairly gentle, so you shouldn’t need to worry about concrete shrinkage due to heat too much. But, if your area experiences a particularly hot summer, you should water your concrete slab to help it stay moist.

Finally, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help stop water damage by channeling rainwater away from your house's foundation and siding, where it can build up.

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.