Foundation Repair in Milwaukee & the Suburbs
Stop the Cracks. Steady the Walls.
Cracked, bowing or settling foundations don't fix themselves. Basement Specialists has been repairing Milwaukee-area foundations since 1981, and we'll tell you exactly what's going on before we recommend anything.
- Since 1981Locally owned & operated
- Free EstimatesWritten & no-pressure
- Warranty BackedUp to 20 years
- Licensed & InsuredFully bonded
- 4.7 Stars on GoogleFrom local homeowners
Foundation Repair Since 1981
Every Foundation Problem Has a Cause
Foundations in this part of Wisconsin take a beating. Our heavy clay holds water against the walls, frost pushes on them every winter and many homes sit on block or stone foundations that are 60 to 100 years old. Over time, that pressure shows up as cracks, bowing walls and floors that don't sit level anymore.
We don't treat the crack and walk away. We find out why it happened, whether it's still moving and what it will take to stop it. Then we put it in writing so you can make a decision without pressure.
Since 1981, we've repaired foundations in homes of every age across Milwaukee, the North Shore and the western suburbs, from fieldstone basements in century-old houses to poured walls in newer subdivisions. That experience means we've almost certainly seen your problem before, and we know which repairs hold up through Wisconsin winters.
Foundation repairs we handle:
Our Foundation Services
How We Repair Foundations
CracksFoundation Cracks
Not every crack is a problem, but the ones that leak, keep widening or run sideways across a block wall deserve a closer look. We figure out whether a crack is just shrinkage or a sign the wall is under pressure.
Leaking cracks in poured walls are sealed from inside. Cracks caused by movement get a structural fix so they don't open right back up.
We document each crack and check whether it's still moving, so you know if you need a simple seal, a structural repair or just a watchful eye.
Foundation Crack Repair
BowingBowing Walls
When wet clay and frost push on a basement wall long enough, it starts to lean or bulge inward. A long horizontal crack in a block wall is usually the first sign.
Caught early, most bowing walls can be stopped right where they are. Walls that have moved farther can be straightened and reinforced.
We measure exactly how far the wall has moved and where, so the repair fits the wall instead of a one-size-fits-all package.
Bowing Wall Repair
SettlingSettling Foundations
Doors that stick, floors that slope and diagonal cracks spreading from the corners often mean part of the foundation is sinking. Soft fill, shrinking clay and water washing out soil are the usual causes.
We find out whether the settling has stopped or is still happening, then recommend the right way to stabilize it.
Many settling problems start with water, so we look at downspouts, grading and drainage and fix those too.
Settling Foundation Repair
PiersPiers & Stabilization
When the soil near the surface can't hold your home up, piers carry the weight down to firmer soil below. They're screwed into the ground and bracketed to the footing.
Piers stop ongoing settlement, and they're especially useful under additions, porches and sinking corners.
Each pier is driven until it reaches firm soil, and we'll be upfront about what piers can and can't do for your home.
Foundation Stabilization
BracingWall Bracing & Straightening
Steel wall braces anchor to the floor and the framing above and take the pressure off a moving wall. They go in from inside, with no digging in your yard.
For walls that have pushed in too far, we excavate, ease the wall back toward plumb and reinforce it.
Braces sit close to the wall, so you can still finish the basement around them later.
Wall Bracing OptionsWorried About a Crack or a Leaning Wall?
We'll look at it, measure it and give you a straight answer.
What Causes It
Why Milwaukee-Area Foundations Fail
Most foundation damage comes down to soil and water. If water is part of your problem, we'll fix that too. See basement waterproofing.
What to Expect
Our Foundation Repair Process
- 1Look Inside & OutWe check the walls, floor and drainage around your home.
- 2Measure the MovementWe document cracks and how far walls have moved.
- 3Explain Your OptionsYou get plain answers and a written estimate.
- 4Make It SolidOur crew completes the repair and cleans up.
Common Questions
Foundation Repair FAQs
Are all foundation cracks serious?
No. Thin vertical cracks from concrete shrinking are common. Horizontal cracks, stair-step cracks, wide cracks and cracks that grow or leak are the ones to have checked.
Can a bowing wall be fixed without excavation?
Usually, yes. Steel wall braces are installed from inside the basement. Excavation is only needed when a wall has moved too far to brace.
How do I know if my house is settling?
Watch for doors that suddenly stick, sloping floors and diagonal cracks in walls or brick. If they're getting worse, the settling is likely still active.
Do foundation repairs need a permit?
Structural repairs typically require a permit from your city or village. We'll tell you what your project needs.
Will foundation repair stop my basement from leaking?
Structural repairs stop movement. If water is getting in too, drainage or crack sealing may also be part of the fix.
Is foundation repair covered by insurance?
Many homeowner policies exclude settling and soil movement. Check with your agent about your policy.
What Homeowners Say
Trusted by Milwaukee-Area Homeowners
“We had Basement Specialists do foundation work for us, they were affordable, completed the work in a timely manner, and did a great job at cleanup. We even had some extra work done around the porch foundation which was reasonable and looks great. We would highly recommend them!!”
“We have used Basement Specialists a couple of times. They have been simply wonderful to work with. To start with, the office is responsive, and they were easy to schedule with. Dale showed up promptly…”
“Just had them do foundation work for us. They did a good job, they did put runners down. Even put some on the basement steps, even after I told them they didn't have to…”
Cracks, Bowing or Settling?
Let's Make Your Foundation Solid Again.
We'll measure what's happening, explain your options and give you a free written estimate.
