Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Huntsville
Some typical reasons why Huntsville homeowners suffer from foundation problems include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Huntsville gets, 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 keep dry.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be a menace to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Aging plumbing: While many Huntsville homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
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 desire most in a provider, then evaluate each provider on your shortlist against these attributes.
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 building codes, permit ordinances and inspection processes.
One of the most effective ways to assess a company's reputation is to browse its website. Look for how long the company has operated and the accreditations its team holds. Many top companies provide educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We advise reviewing 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 expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company responds to them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate properly, you should avoid working with it.
Lastly, we encourage you to search different websites, including Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Huntsville
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the degree of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the normal cost falls at 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 | $323 |
Leak Repair | $2,554 |
Stabilization | $4,393 |
Underpinning | $1,241 |
Waterproofing | $2,817 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Huntsville
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Huntsville?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
- Plumbing leaks
- Uneven floors
- Flooding
- Hairline cracks
- Mold and mildew
- Discoloration or odors
How long does foundation repair usually take?
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)