Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Bakersfield
A few common reasons why Bakersfield homeowners encounter foundation woes include:
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
- Aging plumbing: The average Bakersfield home construction year is 1981. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To select a foundation repair contractor, you should think about what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you navigate the process.
Licensing and Experience
The Golden State issues many different kinds of contracting licenses, and foundation companies often have more than one. You can verify a company's licensing information through the Contractors State License Board, a division of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Look for a company with a General Building Contractor, General Engineering Contractor, C-8 Concrete, or C-61 Pile Driving credential. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about what local codes apply to your project, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and how the company inspects foundations.
Another way to gauge a company's reputation is to check its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade qualifications. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Complaints don't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a good sign if the company has fixed issues proactively and appropriately. You should steer clear of a company with many negative reviews, no credentials, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Bakersfield
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,500. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,700 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $307 |
Leak Repair | $2,401 |
Stabilization | $4,108 |
Underpinning | $1,181 |
Waterproofing | $2,645 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Bakersfield
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Bakersfield?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
What's the most popular foundation type in Bakersfield?
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)