Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in El Cajon, CA

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in El Cajon

Foundation issues have some possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for El Cajon residents:

• Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed properly could result in your foundation settling.
• Aging plumbing: The average El Cajon home construction year is 1976. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have 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 threaten your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't cover.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on 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

When choosing a foundation repair company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each company on your list about the following qualities.

Licensing and Experience

The Golden State issues many different kinds of contracting licenses, and foundation companies often have more than one. You can verify a company's licensing information through the Contractors State License Board, a division of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Look for a company with a General Building Contractor, General Engineering Contractor, C-8 Concrete, or C-61 Pile Driving credential. Talk to staff to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, inspection processes and building codes.

Another way to gauge a company's credibility is to examine 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

When you're researching a company's standing, go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a good sign if the company has settled issues proactively and appropriately. You should avoid a company with numerous negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.

Foundation Repair Cost in El Cajon

The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $2,700. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.