Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Decatur
A home in Decatur might experience foundation issues for a variety of reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Decatur receives, 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: 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: While many Decatur 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.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair contractor, you should determine what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you steer 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 representatives to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, inspection processes and building codes.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Typically, a company will discuss how long it's been operating. It might also upload articles to assist prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has settled issues proactively and favorably. You should steer clear of a company with numerous negative reviews, no credentials, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Decatur
The price of foundation repair can range widely based on the severity of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is significant damage, the average cost lands at about $3,500. More complex projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,100+. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
| Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crack Repair | $405 |
| Leak Repair | $3,340 |
| Stabilization | $5,849 |
| Underpinning | $1,547 |
| Waterproofing | $3,698 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Decatur
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Decatur?
How long does foundation repair usually take?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Decatur foundation repair services?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)
