10 best foundation repair companies in Eastpointe, Michigan

Your foundation supports your home's structural integrity. Without a sturdy foundation, everything in your home can start to collapse, leading to unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. Cracks in or around your home's exterior are a big clue that something is wrong with your foundation and should be checked immediately by a foundation repair specialist.

Eastpointe gets an average of 33 inches of rain annually, which creates moisture risks to your foundation. When heavy rain hits the ground around your home, the soil absorbs the water and expands. The expanding soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, leading to the formation of cracks and holes.

Buyers are also reluctant to purchase a house with foundation troubles as they don't want to take on the expense of foundation repair and the potentially dangerous conditions. When you're ready to put it on the market, your home's market value will rise if you fix your foundation issues. Find a foundation repair company in Eastpointe as soon as possible when your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Eastpointe

Look for foundation repair companies in Eastpointe 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's a variety of warning signs that can point to your foundation needing repair, each associated with a different level of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: The first sign of a problem with your foundation is cracking, which you can spot early on by routinely checking the concrete and support framing below and around your house.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are good indicators of impending foundation issues, such as a sinking foundation.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to appear more often. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation issues.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a broken foundation moves, spaces open in the walls, causing doors to stick when closed or not shut correctly.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or separate from their frames when your foundation pulls the walls away from their initial position.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of fracturing or begins to lean, it can indicate that your foundation is already deteriorating.
• 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.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair experts offer a range of services from crack repair to stabilization. Even if you don't know what precisely is wrong with your foundation, a professional will inspect it and recommend a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: As leaks can have several causes, such as plumbing problems or poor water redirection, a service professional's first step is to identify the cause of the leak. Then, they will resolve the problem and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The crack's position, size and angle 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: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, contractors often suggest underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is an extensive technique that involves lowering the footing onto more stable ground to add support and depth to an existing foundation. The method requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary based on the number of piers added, the technical expertise required and the procedure.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, stabilization may be the best solution for stopping further damage. This technique supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping any additional movement. It's more cost-effective and less disruptive than leveling. The one drawback is that it will not level out your house.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to avoid future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing diverts water that has entered your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing prevents water from getting in at all through a dimple board, speed strip, moisture barrier and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Opt for the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Eastpointe

Maintaining your foundation is essential, so you need to find the right expert for the job. To pinpoint your best fit, ask potential foundation repair experts the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be insured and licensed to safeguard you and your property. Foundation repair professionals working in Michigan must be licensed by the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Department. They're required to have either a Residential Builder License or Residential Maintenance and Alteration Contractor License.

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

To ensure a foundation repair company is the right choice, ask if they know the source of the problem and what they think is the ideal fix. If they think raising your slab is the best option, 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 reasonable alternative if the estimated cost is too high. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair professional to make sure you have a complete understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each. A second opinion is always an option if you don't agree with the answer or think they aren't being thorough enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost you. Make sure you get quotes in writing that detail everything from materials to time on site, especially if there are different options. Often, contractors will offer estimates for free. Get several quotes so you can compare prices. The severity of the damage is the major factor determining the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

Some companies may offer financing options, including installment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Financing offers may also be available through third-party groups that partner with your foundation repair company.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Find out about a company's warranty options so you'll know what coverage you'll have once the repairs are finished. They may offer 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?

The severity of the damage greatly influences how long a foundation repair job will take, but projects typically last between one and two months depending on the service.

Crack and leak repairs can take a few days to fix if there isn't additional damage. Waterproofing can take anywhere from one day to a week, depending on the extent of the project. A pier repair often 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 often stay inside your home. You may have to stay elsewhere if the technician cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as when they're installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Eastpointe home?

It's important to consult a professional if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take proactive steps to protect your home's foundation from damage in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those building a new home, talk with your contractor about their foundation installation process. Before pouring the concrete, the area should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil in place. Adequate drainage must also be established to stop water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. Once poured, your concrete has to cure completely. 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

Performing regular inspections is the most effective way to shield your home's foundation. As you perform these inspections, watch closely for any cracking, shifting or breaking around or within the concrete. Examine your walls and framings for similar damage, as these frequently point to foundation trouble.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris because it can trap moisture and cause mold growth. Sufficient air circulation around your home is critical, 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.

The summers in Eastpointe are relatively mild, so you shouldn’t need to worry about concrete shrinkage due to heat too much. But, if your area experiences a particularly hot summer, consider watering your concrete slab to help it keep hydrated.

As a final step, regularly clean your gutters. Gutters channel rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, stopping pooling water 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.