Southeast Wisconsin Foundation Repair connects homeowners with independent foundation repair contractors in 24 communities around Milwaukee, Waukesha, Kenosha and Racine. We don't do repairs, inspect homes or set prices. Here's what happens after you reach out, and the state rules that apply to every job.
Step by step
- You tell us what you're seeing. Use the contact form. Describe the crack, wall, floor or corner, your town, and whether you're buying or selling. Photos help.
- We pass it along. We send your request to contractors who serve your area.
- A contractor gets in touch. Set up a time for them to look at the problem, and ask for the quote in writing.
- You compare and decide. You're under no obligation. The cost guide has a checklist for comparing quotes.
Wisconsin rules for every job
These apply statewide, on top of whatever your town requires.
- Contractor credentials. Under state code, a building permit for a one- or two-family home can only go to someone holding a Dwelling Contractor certification who also holds, or employs someone with, a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certification. Owners who live in the home and pull their own permit are exempt [1].
- Frost depth. Footings must go below frost penetration, with 48 inches under adjacent grade as the minimum, and they can't be poured on frozen ground [2].
- Digging notice. Before planned (nonemergency) digging, the excavator owes the one-call system a minimum of 3 working days' notice [3]. Wisconsin's one-call center is Diggers Hotline, reached at 811 [4].
- Home sales. Sellers fill out a state condition report whose item B7 covers known foundation or basement defects, cracks, seepage and bulges among them [5].
- Insurance. Wisconsin's insurance commissioner lists earth movement and neglect among damage homeowners policies don't cover, and notes coverage varies by company [6].
Local rules
Most towns we cover post their own foundation permit rules. Your town page lists what we found on the municipality's own site, with links.
What we ask of you
Check the contractor's credentials and permit yourself. Wisconsin's DSPS offers a public LicensE look up for credentials [1], and several towns, including Wauwatosa and Cudahy, suggest getting a copy of the permit [7][8].
Get started
Tell us about your foundation.
We're a referral service, not a contractor, and independent contractors may pay us for referrals.
Sources
- Wisconsin DSPS, Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (DCQ). Supports: building permit requires DC (or DC Restricted) certification plus a DCQ holder; owner-occupant exception; public LicensE look up for credential status. https://dsps.wi.gov/a-z-professions-list/dwelling-contractor-qualifier-dcq/
- Wis. Admin. Code SPS 321.16(1). Supports: below frost penetration or at least 48 in below adjacent grade, whichever is deeper; not on frozen material. https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/ch.%20SPS%20321.pdf
- Wis. Stat. 182.0175(2)(am)1. Supports: notice not less than 3 working days before nonemergency excavation. https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/182.0175
- Diggers Hotline. Supports: Wisconsin's one-call center, 811. https://www.diggershotline.com/
- Wis. Stat. 709.03, item B7. Supports: basement or foundation defects including cracks, seepage, and bulges. https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/709.03
- Wisconsin OCI, "Consumer's Guide to Homeowners Insurance," PI-015 (R 07/2026). Supports: earth movement and neglect not covered; varies by company. https://oci.wi.gov/Documents/Consumers/PI-015.pdf
- City of Wauwatosa, Building & Safety. Fetched via WebFetch. Supports: get a copy of the permit; owner responsibility. https://www.wauwatosa.net/government/departments/building-safety
- City of Cudahy, Inspection FAQs. Supports: homeowner responsible for permits; get a copy. https://www.cudahy-wi.gov/departments/inspection/faqs.php