Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Fort Smith
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for Fort Smith residents:
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Fort Smith experiences, the soil absorbs 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 encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that results in your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is vital to its stability, so it's important to work with a reliable foundation repair contractor. Assess each company using the following factors:
Licensing and Experience
Arkansas' Residential Contractors Committee regulates the state's home service companies. A business owner can have either a Residential Building Contractor or Residential Remodeler license to do foundation setting, drilling, construction, stabilization, and repair work. Talk to representatives to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, permit ordinances and inspection processes.
One of the easiest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to go to its website. Look for how long the company has operated and what credentials its team holds. Many leading companies publish educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, visit 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. The BBB shows how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that works toward excellent outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a contractor if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Fort Smith
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,800. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $333 |
Leak Repair | $2,648 |
Stabilization | $4,567 |
Underpinning | $1,277 |
Waterproofing | $2,922 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Fort Smith
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Fort Smith?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
- Discoloration or odors
- Mold and mildew
- Uneven floors
- Hairline cracks
- Plumbing leaks
- Flooding
Do Fort Smith foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
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)