Common Causes of Foundation Problems in El Mirage
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the top ones for El Mirage residents:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: While many El Mirage 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.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be difficult. We encourage you to list what you want most in a contractor, then evaluate each contractor on your selection against these characteristics.
Licensing and Experience
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors licenses residential contractors separately from commercial ones. Ensure your foundation company has a residential general contractor or concrete specialty license. Some larger companies might hold "dual" licenses, meaning they can perform both home and business jobs. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about what local codes apply to your project, how the company inspects foundations, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
Another way to evaluate a company's reputation 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
Before choosing a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Complaints don't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has settled issues appropriately and proactively. You should avoid a company with more negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in El Mirage
Foundation repair costs can range quite widely based on the scale 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 $1,900. However, if there is quite substantial damage, the typical cost will be around $3,100. More involved jobs involving digging, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $6,900. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $367 |
Leak Repair | $2,977 |
Stabilization | $5,177 |
Underpinning | $1,406 |
Waterproofing | $3,291 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in El Mirage
How much does foundation repair cost in El Mirage?
Do El Mirage foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for cracks, and fix any issues immediately.
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews operate industrial machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or vibrations. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
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)