Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Lompoc
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most widespread ones for Lompoc residents:
- Drought conditions: Lompoc is prone to drought. The absence of rainfall and varying humidity levels each season contribute to ever-shifting soil. The resulting soil settlement can move and damage your foundation.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Aging plumbing: The average Lompoc home construction year is 1972. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity depends greatly on its foundation. It's crucial to select the most qualified crew possible. Focus your research on these characteristics:
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, permit ordinances and inspection processes.
One of the most effective ways to assess a company's reputation is to find its website. Look for how long the company has operated and the qualifications its team holds. Many leading companies provide educational content for future customers.
Customer Reviews
Before committing to a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB comments also show how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that works toward positive outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a contractor if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Lompoc
Foundation repair costs can differ significantly based on the degree of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant destruction, the average cost will be around $2,900. More intricate jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,800. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $341 |
Leak Repair | $2,724 |
Stabilization | $4,707 |
Underpinning | $1,307 |
Waterproofing | $3,007 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Foundation Repair Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Lompoc
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Lompoc?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
Do Lompoc 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.
- 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, encouraging water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and repair 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)