Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Birmingham, AL

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Birmingham

A home in Birmingham might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:

• Aging plumbing: The average Birmingham home construction year is 1971. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
• Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Birmingham experiences, the soil soaks up 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.
• Standing water: Standing water around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't cover.
• Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

Choosing a foundation company doesn't have to be difficult. We encourage you to jot down what you expect most in a company, then evaluate each provider on your list against these qualities.

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 further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, building codes and permit ordinances.

One of the easiest ways to assess a company's reputation is to visit its website. Look for the company's years in business and what credentials its team holds. Many prominent companies publish educational content for future customers.

Customer Reviews

Before selecting a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Complaints don't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has settled issues proactively and favorably. You should steer clear of a company with more negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.

Foundation Repair Cost in Birmingham

The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,700. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.