Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Florence
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. Here are the most common ones for Florence residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Florence experiences, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average Florence home construction year is 1978. 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.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that results in your foundation breaking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation contractor, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each company on your list about the following 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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the details its representatives share. Ask about its inspection processes, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
One of the most effective ways to assess a company's reputation is to explore its website. Look for how long the company has operated and what credentials its team holds. Many top companies publish educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We suggest examining the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have reported satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company handles them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, shows more negative reviews than positive ones, and doesn't communicate well, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we suggest you search different websites, like Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Florence
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $2,700. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,800 or more. Below are 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 Florence
How much does foundation repair cost in Florence?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a cellar. Outdoor waterproofing is typically less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and establishing physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
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)