Solid Foundations for Northeast Wisconsin Homes: Expert Repair Services

Usually not. Standard policies typically exclude earth movement, settling, hydrostatic pressure, and gradual seepage — which covers most of what we see. Coverage is more likely when damage stems from a sudden accidental event, like a burst supply line undermining a footing. Call your agent anyway, since policies differ, and we'll provide the written documentation and photos a claim needs.

The method follows the diagnosis. Epoxy or polyurethane injection seals non-structural cracks. Carbon fiber straps reinforce modest bowing — generally up to around two inches — with no excavation. Steel anchors handle more significant movement and can pull a wall partially back over time. Helical or push piers address settlement by transferring load to stable soil, often lifting the foundation back toward its original elevation. Most jobs combine two or three, plus drainage work to address the underlying cause.

Most clients stay in their homes throughout. Crack injection and carbon fiber reinforcement are quiet interior work, often done in a day or two. Wall anchors and interior drain tile involve more noise and dust, and pier installation or exterior waterproofing requires excavation, equipment on your property, and disturbed landscaping. We tell you up front exactly what will be affected, give you a written schedule, and clean up daily.

It varies more than anything else we do. Sealing a minor crack runs from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars; carbon fiber, wall anchors, drain tile, and piers are larger projects. At Kelly McCarthy Builders, we quote in writing after inspection, never over the phone — nobody can honestly price foundation work sight unseen. If your problem is minor and doesn't need structural repair, we'll tell you that.

Many can, though not all — homes on poor fill or undersized footings may develop issues regardless. What you can control is water, which drives most foundation damage here. Keep gutters clear, extend downspouts four to six feet out, and maintain grading that slopes away from the house. Take small cracks seriously: sealing a minor one costs a fraction of repairing a widening, leaking one.