Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Tuscaloosa
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for Tuscaloosa residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Tuscaloosa 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.
- Aging plumbing: While many Tuscaloosa homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that causes your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's stability weighs heavily on its foundation. It's crucial to hire the best team possible. Center your research on these features:
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 more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, inspection processes and building codes.
Another way to measure a company's reputation is to look at its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade qualifications. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
Before committing to a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. The BBB shows how companies resolve complaints. A responsive team that works toward amicable outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a contractor if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Tuscaloosa
The cost of foundation repair can vary substantially based on the extent of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,700. However, if there is quite substantial deterioration, the typical cost will be around $1,900. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $6,500. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $243 |
Leak Repair | $1,780 |
Stabilization | $2,959 |
Underpinning | $939 |
Waterproofing | $1,949 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Tuscaloosa
How much does foundation repair cost in Tuscaloosa?
What are the different types of foundations in Tuscaloosa?
How long does foundation repair usually take?
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)