Brick apartment building foundation in Southeastern Wisconsin

Commercial Foundation Repair & Waterproofing in Southeastern Wisconsin

Protect Your Property. Keep Your Tenants Happy.

Foundation cracks, moving walls and wet lower levels cost property owners more than repair bills. They mean tenant complaints, damaged storage and lost use of space. American Foundation Specialists brings 80 years of foundation experience to apartment buildings and commercial properties across Southeastern Wisconsin.

  • Apartment & commercial buildings
  • Clear written scope
  • Licensed, bonded & insured
  • Since 194780 Years of Experience
  • Family Owned& Operated
  • Warranty BackedUp to 20-Year Warranty
  • Licensed & BondedFully Insured
  • BBB A+ RatingBetter Business Bureau

Experienced Foundation Specialists

Foundation Problems Don't Stop at Single-Family Homes

The same forces that damage residential foundations, heavy clay soil, freeze-thaw winters and water that won't drain, work on apartment buildings, mixed-use properties and small commercial buildings too. The difference is that more people are affected when something goes wrong.

A leaking lower level can damage tenant storage and mechanical rooms. A bowing wall or settling corner can show up as cracks, sticking doors and complaints in several units at once. And many older Milwaukee-area buildings still rely on drainage systems that are decades past their prime.

We evaluate the problem, explain what's causing it and provide a clear written scope of work, so owners and property managers can plan, budget and schedule repairs with as little disruption as possible.

Lower level of a multi-unit building with water staining on the foundation wall

Who We Work With

Foundation Services for Commercial Properties

Brick apartment building in a Milwaukee-area neighborhood
Apartment & Multi-Unit BuildingsDuplexes to apartment buildings

Multi-unit buildings put a lot of people, belongings and equipment in the lower level. We repair cracked and bowing walls, stop water at the source and upgrade drainage and sump systems so shared basements, laundry rooms and storage areas stay dry.

Small commercial storefront building in Southeastern Wisconsin
Commercial & Mixed-Use BuildingsRetail, office and mixed-use

Older commercial buildings and mixed-use properties often have the same block and masonry foundations as the homes around them, along with heavier loads and more complex drainage. We assess the foundation and recommend repairs that fit the building and its use.

Property manager reviewing a building with a foundation specialist
Property ManagersOne contact for every property

If you manage several buildings, you need a foundation contractor who answers the phone, shows up and explains things clearly. We provide written findings and scopes of work you can share with owners and use to plan and budget.

Water draining toward the foundation of a commercial building

Why It Matters

Why Commercial Foundations Need Attention

  • More People AffectedOne foundation problem can lead to complaints and damage in several units or tenant spaces.
  • Drainage & Paved AreasParking lots, walkways and large roofs send a lot of water toward foundations.
  • Aging BuildingsMany Milwaukee-area buildings rely on foundations and drainage that are decades old.
  • Heavier LoadsLarger structures place more weight on their footings and walls.

Signs Your Building Needs a Foundation Assessment

  • Water in shared basements or storage areas
  • Cracks in lower-level walls or floors
  • Tenant complaints about sticking doors
  • Walls bowing or leaning in the lower level
  • Exterior brick cracks near the foundation
  • A sump system that runs constantly

Need a Foundation Assessment for Your Property?

We'll evaluate the building and provide a clear written scope of work.

What We Do

Commercial Foundation Repair & Waterproofing

Steel wall braces reinforcing a lower-level wall in a multi-unit building

Structural Foundation Repair

We repair cracked foundation walls, stabilize bowing and leaning walls with steel reinforcement and address settlement at corners, additions and stair towers. Every recommendation is based on what we find at the building, not a one-size-fits-all package.

Learn more about cracked walls, bowing walls and settling foundations.

Interior drain tile being installed along a lower-level wall of a commercial building

Waterproofing & Drainage

Water problems in larger buildings often start with failed drain tile, undersized sump systems or water from roofs and paved areas collecting against the foundation. We trace where the water is coming from and recommend the right fix.

That may include interior drain tile, new sump pumps with battery backup, crack sealing or exterior waterproofing. See basement waterproofing.

Minimal Disruption

Work planned around tenants and building operations whenever possible.

Clear Written Scope

Findings and estimates you can share with owners and use to budget.

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Professional, accountable work from a company that's been here since 1947.

What to Expect

Our Commercial Process

  1. 01AssessWe evaluate the foundation, lower level and drainage at the property.
  2. 02ScopeWe explain the cause and provide a written scope of work.
  3. 03ScheduleWe plan the work around your tenants and operations.
  4. 04RepairOur crew completes the work and leaves the site clean.

Commercial Questions

Commercial Foundation FAQs

What types of properties do you work on?

We work on duplexes, apartment buildings, mixed-use properties and small commercial buildings throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.

Can you work while tenants are in the building?

In most cases, yes. Much of our work happens in the lower level or outside, and we plan the schedule to minimize disruption to tenants.

Do you provide a written scope of work?

Yes. You'll receive written findings and an estimate you can share with owners, boards or lenders.

Can you fix water problems in a shared basement?

Yes. Shared basements, laundry rooms and storage areas are common problem spots, and interior drain tile and sump systems are often the solution.

Do commercial foundation repairs need permits?

Structural foundation work typically requires a building permit from your city or village. We'll explain what your project requires.

Do you work with property management companies?

Yes. We're happy to be a single point of contact for foundation and basement issues across multiple properties.

How long do commercial repairs take?

It depends on the building and the scope of work. Your estimate will include a timeline so you can plan around it.

Can you work on older brick and stone buildings?

Yes. Many older Milwaukee-area buildings have masonry foundations, and we have extensive experience repairing them.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. American Foundation Specialists is licensed, bonded and insured.

How do I request an assessment?

Call us at 414-427-1000 or request an assessment online with the property address and a description of the problem.

Thousands of Wisconsin Homeowners Have Trusted Their Foundations to American Foundation Specialists.

“Jayme and Scott came out on an urgent call today. Although there was no foundation issue, they correctly diagnosed a plumbing issue… I highly recommend their professional and friendly service.”
Sarah F. | Google Review
“The team at American Foundation did a great job installing steel beams to brace one of our basement walls… The work looks great and they did good cleaning up afterwards.”
Peter P. | Google Review
“We worked with Lyle. He was great to work with, explained everything that needed to be done… Fair price and excellent work.”
Jenny M. | Google Review
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Damaged concrete block foundation along the side of a home

Don't Wait for a Small Problem to Become a Bigger One.

Let's Find Out What's Happening With Your Foundation.

Tell us what you're seeing. We'll inspect the problem, explain what's causing it and help you understand your repair options.

American Foundation Specialists — Protecting Wisconsin Homes for 80 Years.

American Foundation Specialists
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