Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Prattville
A home in Prattville might experience foundation issues for numerous reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Aging plumbing: While many Prattville 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.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Prattville gets, 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.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is vital to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a quality foundation repair contractor. Evaluate each provider using the following criteria:
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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about what local codes apply to your project, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and how the company inspects foundations.
One of the most effective ways to assess a company's reputation is to go to its website. Look for how long the company has operated and the accreditations its team holds. Many prominent companies publish educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, check out its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB reviews also show how companies resolve complaints. A responsive team that works toward excellent outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a company if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Prattville
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,700. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,800 or more. See below 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 Prattville
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Prattville?
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Do Prattville foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)