Utica sits in the Mohawk Valley on soils made from ground-up shale, with wetter clay soils in low spots. Winters bring about 100 inches of snow and dozens of freeze-thaw swings, and Sauquoit Creek and the Mohawk River flood often. About half the city's homes were built before 1940, so many basements are old stone, brick or block that has taken a century of wet springs.
What we do
Utica Foundation is a lead referral service. We are not a foundation contractor. When you call (315) 322-9152 or send the form, we connect you with one independent local foundation and waterproofing contractor who works in your part of Utica.
That contractor comes to your home, does a free inspection, and gives you a written estimate. If you choose to hire them, they do the work, and your agreement is directly with them.
Why we started this site
A wet basement or a cracked wall is stressful. You search online and find a long list of names with no prices and no plain answers. We built this site to give Utica homeowners straight information first: why basements here leak and walls move, what the fixes are, and what they typically cost. Then one call gets a local crew out to look.
What it costs to use Utica Foundation
Nothing. There is no fee to use Utica Foundation, and the inspection is free. Contractors pay us for referrals. You never pay us, and you decide whether to hire anyone.
What to ask for from any contractor
Whoever you hire for foundation or waterproofing work, it is smart to ask for:
A written estimate that covers every basement wall, not just the one you pointed at
The fix named for each wall, with how many feet of drain or how many anchors
Proof of insurance
The warranty in writing, including whether it transfers when you sell
Who pulls the City of Utica building permit, if the job needs one
The cancel notice that New York law requires in home improvement contracts