We connect property owners in Rochester and nearby areas, including Corn Hill, South Wedge, Park Avenue, 19th Ward, Greece and Irondequoit, with one independent local foundation repair specialist.
Plain answers before you call
Most Rochester homeowners have the same few worries when they find a crack or water in the basement. Is it serious? What will it cost? Will insurance pay? Who actually does the work? The answers below cover the questions we hear most.
For typical prices, see the cost guide. To see which problems need a look soon, see the signs of foundation problems page. Still not sure? Call (585) 449-9661 or send the short form. A local crew will set up a free inspection, answer your questions at your house, and give you a written price before any work starts.
Frequently asked questions
Who will actually do the work?
Rochester Foundation Repair Co is a lead referral service. We connect you with one independent local foundation contractor who works in Rochester. That contractor inspects your home, writes the estimate, and does the work if you hire them. Your agreement for the work is with them.
Is the inspection really free?
Yes. The inspection and written estimate cost nothing, and there is no obligation to go ahead.
How much does foundation repair cost in Rochester?
Most foundation repairs fall between about $2,200 and $8,200, with a national average near $5,200, according to Fixr. Wall anchors run about $400 to $700 each, according to Angi. Your exact price comes in writing after the free inspection.
How much does it cost to waterproof a basement?
Fixr puts most jobs between about $3,000 and $10,000, with an average near $5,000. Inside drains run about $40 to $120 per linear foot, and a sump pump about $600 to $2,500 installed.
Why do so many Rochester basements leak?
The National Weather Service puts Rochester at about 90 inches of snow a season, and says soils are wet in spring. The soil drains slowly, so melt water sits against basement walls. Many homes here are also old, with walls built before modern drains.
Why does my block wall bow in?
Wet soil freezes and swells against the wall every winter. Frost can reach about 42 inches down here. The push is strongest near the top of the wall, and over many winters a block wall can crack and bend in.
Is a bowing basement wall an emergency?
It is not usually a same-day emergency, but have it checked soon. A wall that has started to bow can usually be braced. A wall that moves too far has to be rebuilt, which costs much more.
Why does water come up my floor drain?
The City of Rochester has combined storm and sanitary sewers. In big storms, they can back up into basements. Monroe County says to keep floor drains capped, and a licensed plumber can add devices that help.
Does homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
Usually not for slow settling, seepage or soil pressure. Flood is a separate policy. Water that backs up from a drain is often left out unless you add a backup add-on. Check your policy or ask your agent.
Do I need a permit for foundation work in Rochester?
The City of Rochester says permits are usually needed for structural repairs. Homes in a preservation district may also need a Certificate of Appropriateness. In the towns, the town building department sets the rules. A good crew pulls the permit for you.
How do I check out a foundation contractor in New York?
The New York Department of State says the state does not license home improvement contractors. It says to get a written contract with the work, timeline, price and payment schedule. Also ask for proof of insurance and the warranty in writing.
Can I sell a house with foundation problems?
Yes, but the buyer's inspector will likely find them. A finished repair with paperwork and a warranty that moves to the next owner is usually easier to sell than a problem nobody fixed.