Foundation Repair in Fort Collins

About Fort Collins

Fort Collins is the county seat of Larimer County in northern Colorado and home to Colorado State University. It sits at about 5,000 feet near the mouth of the Poudre Canyon.

Regional considerations

Parts of Colorado's Front Range are known for expansive clay soils and claystone bedrock that swell when wet and shrink as they dry. That movement can affect foundations, basement slabs, driveways and sidewalks, and it is one reason many local homes are built with deep foundations or floating basement slabs.

Front Range weather brings freeze-thaw cycles, spring snowmelt and summer storms. Keeping water away from the foundation with working gutters, extended downspouts, grading that slopes away from the house and careful irrigation near the foundation is a common first step before or alongside any repair.

Services Fort Collins visitors ask about

• Foundation Cracks: How to think about foundation cracks, which patterns tend to get attention, and what an evaluation usually looks at.
• Foundation Settlement: What causes foundation settlement, common warning signs, and how repair options are typically evaluated.
• Bowing Basement Walls: Why basement walls bow or lean, the warning signs, and the bracing and anchoring options homeowners often hear about.
• Foundation Pier Systems: An overview of the pier types used in foundation repair and how contractors typically choose between them.
• Basement Waterproofing: Interior and exterior basement waterproofing approaches, what each addresses, and questions to ask before hiring.
• Foundation Inspections: What a foundation evaluation usually includes, who performs it, and how to use the results.

Points to keep in mind

• Bracing may affect finished basement space. Ask how it will look and whether it can be covered. More on bowing basement walls.
• Pier depth depends on soil conditions and may vary from pier to pier. More on foundation pier systems.
• Ask whether monitoring is an option before committing to repairs. More on foundation inspections.
• Expansive soils are common on the Front Range and can contribute to foundation movement. More on foundation cracks.
• Exterior excavation can be disruptive and may affect landscaping and walkways. More on basement waterproofing.
• Ask about warranties and whether they transfer to a new owner. More on foundation settlement.

Before you send an inquiry

• Mention any doors or windows that stick, no longer latch or show new gaps.
• Note when you first noticed the problem and whether it seems to be getting worse.
• Note the age of the home and whether it has a basement, crawl space or slab.
• Describe whether water shows up in the basement, crawl space or against the foundation, and when.
• Note where gutters and downspouts discharge and whether irrigation runs near the house.

Good questions to ask any provider

1. What warranty comes with the repair?
2. What warranty do you provide?
3. Will the repair stabilize the wall, straighten it, or both?
4. Would you recommend getting an engineer's evaluation?
5. Is an engineer's design required?

Verify before you hire

Licensing, permit and insurance requirements are set by the state and local jurisdiction where the work happens, and they can differ between neighboring cities. Ask any provider which requirements apply in Fort Collins, and confirm details with the relevant agency when it matters.

Nearby areas

We also take inquiries from Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo.