Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Madison
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. Here are the most prevalent ones for Madison residents:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: While many Madison 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.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Madison 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 stay dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that results in your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is essential to its stability, so it's important to work with a quality foundation repair provider. Evaluate each company using the following factors:
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. Inquire about its inspection methods, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to evaluate a company's credibility is to check its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade credentials. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
We suggest checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a high customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have reported satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB reviews also show how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that aims to achieve positive outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a business if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Madison
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale 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 more significant deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $2,300. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,700 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $285 |
Leak Repair | $2,187 |
Stabilization | $3,713 |
Underpinning | $1,097 |
Waterproofing | $2,405 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Madison
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Madison?
What's the most popular foundation type in Madison?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Hairline cracks
- Mold and mildew
- Uneven floors
- Plumbing leaks
- Flooding
- Discoloration or odors
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
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)