Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Auburn
Foundation issues have some possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for Auburn residents:
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't protect.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Auburn experiences, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Aging plumbing: While many Auburn homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To select a foundation repair company, you should consider what's most important to you. Use this list of qualities to help you navigate the process.
Licensing and Experience
In Alabama, foundation companies must be licensed prime contractors or subcontractors with a Building Construction classification. The state also recognizes credentials issued in Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee, but a company must still register with the Licensing Board for General Contractors to do work in the Yellowhammer State. Talk to staff to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, building codes and permit ordinances.
One of the best ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to visit its website. Look for the company's history and what credentials its team holds. Many well-known companies offer educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Complaints don't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has settled issues favorably and proactively. You should avoid a company with more negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Auburn
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the typical cost is about $2,700. More involved projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,800. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $329 |
Leak Repair | $2,614 |
Stabilization | $4,504 |
Underpinning | $1,264 |
Waterproofing | $2,884 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Auburn
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Auburn?
What's the most popular foundation type in Auburn?
Do Auburn foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for signs of damage, and address any issues immediately.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)