Question 1

What does foundation repair usually cost?

Accepted Answer

There's no single number because the price depends on the problem and the home. A sump pump replacement, a crack injection, an interior drain tile system, and steel piers for settling are very different jobs with very different scopes. Soil access, how far a wall has moved, and whether the basement floor needs to be opened all affect the cost. That's why we give a free inspection and a written quote before any work starts, so you know exactly what you're paying for and why — never a surprise number.

Question 2

Is basement waterproofing worth it?

Accepted Answer

For most Wauwatosa-area homes, yes. The heavy clay soil here holds water against basement walls, and the older drain tile in many homes is past its useful life. If you're seeing seepage, damp walls, or puddles after rain, waterproofing addresses the cause instead of just mopping up the result. It also protects your foundation walls from the pressure that wet soil creates, which can lead to cracks and bowing over time. A free inspection helps you weigh the cost against the damage you're preventing.

Question 3

Can I waterproof my basement myself?

Accepted Answer

You can handle some prevention yourself — cleaning gutters, extending downspouts, grading soil away from the foundation, and clearing window wells. But once water is coming through the floor-wall joint or through a wall crack, the fix usually involves opening the floor, installing drain tile, or injecting a crack, which calls for the right materials and experience. A DIY patch on a real leak rarely holds, and it can hide a worsening problem. We're happy to tell you what's safe to do yourself and what isn't.

Question 4

How long does exterior basement waterproofing last?

Accepted Answer

A properly installed exterior waterproofing membrane with new drain tile is a long-term fix — typically decades when it's done right and the surrounding drainage is maintained. The bigger variable is usually the downspouts and grading around the house: if water still pools against the wall, no membrane lasts forever. We look at the whole picture, not just the wall, so the repair holds up.

Question 5

Why is my sump pump running nonstop?

Accepted Answer

A pump that runs constantly usually means one of three things: there's a lot of groundwater getting in (common in spring here), the float switch is stuck or misadjusted, or the check valve is failing and water cycles back in. It can also mean the discharge line is blocked or frozen. If it runs even in dry weather, the switch is the likely culprit. We can test the pump, the switch, and the discharge line and tell you whether it's a repair or a replacement.

Question 6

Is a horizontal crack in a basement wall serious?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. A horizontal crack along a mortar joint in a concrete block wall is a classic sign that the wall is being pushed inward by soil pressure — the same force that causes bowing and leaning. Unlike a hairline vertical crack in poured concrete, a horizontal crack in block usually points to a structural issue that tends to get worse over time. It's worth having a pro look sooner rather than later, because bracing a wall early is far less involved than rebuilding one.

Question 7

Is foundation settling normal in an older home?

Accepted Answer

Some minor settling is common in homes built decades ago, and not all of it needs repair. The question is whether it's active — still moving — or old and stable. Signs of active settling include sloping floors that get worse, doors or windows that start sticking, and cracks that widen over time. If the movement has stopped and the signs are minor, you may just need to monitor it. If it's ongoing, piers or underpinning can stop it. An inspection tells you which you're dealing with.

Question 8

Can a bowing block wall be fixed without rebuilding it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases — if it's caught before the wall has moved too far. Steel beam bracing, wall anchors, and carbon fiber reinforcement can stabilize a bowing or leaning block wall without tearing it out. Rebuilding is usually reserved for walls that have pushed in past a certain point or are actively failing. The earlier we look, the more options you usually have and the less it tends to cost.

Question 9

Do I need to encapsulate my crawl space?

Accepted Answer

If your crawl space has exposed dirt, vents, humidity, musty smells, or cold floors above it, encapsulation usually helps. Sealing it with a heavy vapor barrier, closing the vents, and adding a dehumidifier controls moisture that causes mold, pests, and higher energy bills. That said, crawl spaces are less common in this area than full basements — they're mostly found under additions, sunrooms, porches, and some postwar homes. We'll tell you honestly whether yours needs it.

Foundation Repair FAQ