Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Maricopa
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. These are the most widespread ones for Maricopa residents:
- Drought conditions: Maricopa is susceptible to drought. The lack of rainfall and varying humidity levels each season lead to ever-shifting soil. The resulting soil settlement can shift and damage your foundation.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Aging plumbing: While many Maricopa 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 apply force that results in your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To pick a foundation repair contractor, you should determine what's most important to you. Use this list of factors to help you go through the process.
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 how its team will draft plans and pull permits, how the company inspects foundations, and what local codes apply to your project.
One of the best ways to assess a company's reputation is to browse its website. Look for the company's history and what credentials its team holds. Many leading companies offer educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB reviews also show how companies address complaints. A responsive team that strives for excellent outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a contractor if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Maricopa
Foundation repair costs can differ significantly based on the scale of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,700. However, if there is quite substantial destruction, the average cost will be around $1,900. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major 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 | $244 |
Leak Repair | $1,792 |
Stabilization | $2,981 |
Underpinning | $943 |
Waterproofing | $1,962 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Maricopa
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Maricopa?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a crawlspace. Exterior waterproofing is typically less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and forming physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
How long does foundation repair usually take?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and address any issues promptly.
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)