Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Lincoln
Some common reasons why Lincoln homeowners suffer from foundation problems include:
- Aging plumbing: While many Lincoln homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Lincoln experiences, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that causes your foundation breaking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity weighs heavily on its foundation. It's important to hire the best team possible. Center your research on these 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 building codes, inspection processes and permit ordinances.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will disclose how long it's been in the industry. It might also publish other content to help prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. The BBB shows how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that strives for amicable outcomes is a good one. Avoid a contractor if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Lincoln
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the scale of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant damage, the normal cost is about $2,800. More complex projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,800. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $333 |
Leak Repair | $2,652 |
Stabilization | $4,574 |
Underpinning | $1,279 |
Waterproofing | $2,926 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Lincoln
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Lincoln?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing drains and sump pumps or using sealants around a crawlspace. Exterior waterproofing is usually less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and creating physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
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 tremors. 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)