Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Hanford
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. Here are the most common ones for Hanford residents:
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't protect.
- Drought conditions: Hanford is susceptible to drought. The absence of rainfall and changing humidity levels each season lead to ever-shifting soil. The resulting soil settlement can shift and damage your foundation.
- Aging plumbing: While many Hanford homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair company, you should consider what's most important to you. Use this list of factors to help you go through the process.
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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the details its representatives share. Ask about its inspection processes, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
One of the easiest ways to assess a company's reputation is to explore its website. Look for how long the company has operated and what credentials its team holds. Many well-known companies provide educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, check out 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. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has settled issues favorably and proactively. You should avoid a company with numerous negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Hanford
The price of your foundation repair project can differ quite significantly based on the severity of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the normal cost lands at about $2,900. More complex projects requiring excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900+. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $343 |
Leak Repair | $2,740 |
Stabilization | $4,737 |
Underpinning | $1,313 |
Waterproofing | $3,025 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Hanford
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Hanford?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
Do Hanford 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 properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for signs of damage, and address any issues promptly.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)