10 best foundation repair companies in Hilliard, Ohio

The foundation is the most important part of your home's structure. A compromised foundation can cause your house to fall apart, resulting in dangerous conditions for you and your loved ones and pets. Cracks in or around the outside of your home strongly indicate foundation problems that require quick action from a foundation repair expert.

The freezing temperatures in Hilliard make foundations in the area prone to moving and breaking when built-up groundwater freezes.

Not only do foundation problems make your home dangerous, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are reluctant to deal with the expense of foundation repair or related issues. When it comes time to sell, your home's market value will rise if you address your foundation issues. If your foundation is in jeopardy, find a foundation repair company in Hilliard right away.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Hilliard

Look for foundation repair companies in Hilliard 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 a range of signs 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 routinely check the concrete and support framing around and under your home.
• Cracked chimney: Your foundation may be failing if your chimney is cracked or starts to tilt.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you see mildew, moisture and mold in your crawl space, it signals you might have foundation problems including a sinking foundation.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to surface more regularly. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation issues.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a compromised foundation shifts, spaces develop in the walls, causing doors to jam when closed or not close properly.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes unlevel, so will your floors. They may have high and low spots or seem springy as you walk on them.
• Skewed windows or doors: If your foundation is shifting the walls away from their original position, windows and doors may become misaligned with their jambs, or separate from their frames.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the specific issue with your foundation, a professional from a foundation repair provider in Hilliard will take a look at it and instruct you on the best solution. These professionals offer a range of common services, such as:

• Leak repair: First, the service technician will determine the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of incorrect water redirection or plumbing issues, or coming from a window, especially in the basement. Then, the repair technician will isolate the leak, resolve the problem and supply waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Sealing cracks prevents moisture from rising through the soil underneath. The crack's angle, position and size determine which sealant the technician 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.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, the best choice for preventing additional damage may be stabilization. This technique supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing further movement. It's less invasive and more economical than leveling. The one disadvantage is that it won't level out your house.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is an extensive technique that adds strength to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Experts use this approach to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's usually needed when a foundation is failing, or the use of the building has changed and additional space is required 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. Prices vary based on the process, the technical skill required and the number of piers added.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to prevent future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing diverts water that has entered your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing blocks water from entering at all through a moisture barrier, dimple board, speed strip 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 Hilliard

The right pro is vital when repairing your foundation. To determine your best fit, ask potential foundation repair providers the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should have licenses and insurance to protect you and your home. Even though the state of Ohio doesn't require specific licensing for contractors, many cities enforce their own legal requirements. We suggest opting for a professional with a contracting license and verifying the relevant regulations in your city or county with your local building department.

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

When vetting a service provider, ask if they know the cause of the problem and what they believe is the ideal remedy. If raising your slab is the fix they suggest, ask what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also ask if stabilization is an option if the cost estimate is too high. Be sure to ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, so you have a comprehensive 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?

Get an estimate from the repair provider you're vetting to determine how much the job will cost. For projects where you have to choose between different choices, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to labor hours. Most reputable businesses will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get a few for price comparison. The overall cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the damage has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Your repair professional may offer financing options, such as payment plans, directly or through a third-party partner. The foundation repair provider may also offer a discount if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Discuss a company's warranty options so you'll know what coverage you'll have once the repairs are complete. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific expenses, such as materials, for a fixed period following the completion of the job.

How long will the repairs take?

The timeline of foundation repairs can vary from a single day to two months depending on how severe the damage is.

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

How can you protect the foundation of your Hilliard home?

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

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When constructing a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your service provider. The lot should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is spread over the ground before your foundation professional pours the concrete. Proper drainage must also be established to keep water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. Proper curing of your concrete is critical after it's poured. Your foundation expert should 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 best method to shield your foundation from future damage is through periodic inspections. As you inspect, check for signs of shifting, breaking or cracking in or around your concrete slab. Be sure to check your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also suggest foundation issues.

Clear away dirt and debris from around your foundation's base because buildup can trap moisture and encourage mold that threatens your foundation. To promote adequate air circulation, prune plants that are growing against your home, and ensure that trees and their roots keep at a safe distance from your home's foundation.

Heat-related concrete shrinkage is not a big concern in Hilliard because the summers are relatively mild. However, if your area encounters a very hot season, consider watering your concrete slab to keep it hydrated.

Lastly, don't forget to do routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help decrease standing water by channeling rainwater away from your foundation and siding, which stops 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.