Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Merced
A home in Merced might experience foundation issues for numerous reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Drought conditions: Merced is prone to drought. The lack of rainfall and fluctuating humidity levels each season lead to ever-shifting soil. The resulting soil settlement can shift and break your foundation.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
- 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 deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To pick a foundation repair contractor, you should think about what's most important to you. Use this list of qualities to help you steer 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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about what local codes apply to your project, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and how the company inspects foundations.
One of the most effective ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to find its website. Look for the company's years in business and what credentials its team holds. Many top companies publish educational content for future customers.
Customer Reviews
Before selecting a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company handles them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate effectively, you should think twice about working with it.
Finally, we suggest you search different websites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Merced
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant damage, the average cost lands at about $2,400. More involved projects requiring excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,700+. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $297 |
Leak Repair | $2,299 |
Stabilization | $3,920 |
Underpinning | $1,141 |
Waterproofing | $2,530 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Merced
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Merced?
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What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)