Common Causes of Foundation Problems in National City
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the top ones for National City residents:
- Aging plumbing: The average National City home construction year is 1972. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that causes your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity weighs heavily on its foundation. It's important to select the most qualified crew possible. Center your research on these features:
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 information its team gives you. Inquire about its inspection processes, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Typically, a business will display how long it's been in the industry. It might also share articles to assist prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We recommend looking into the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have reported satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. The BBB shows how companies handle complaints. A proactive team that works toward amicable outcomes is a good one. Avoid a contractor if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in National City
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the extent of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost falls at about $2,700. More involved 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 | $321 |
Leak Repair | $2,534 |
Stabilization | $4,356 |
Underpinning | $1,233 |
Waterproofing | $2,794 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in National City
What will I pay to repair my foundation in National City?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Flooding
- Plumbing leaks
- Hairline cracks
- Discoloration or odors
- Mold and mildew
- Uneven floors
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for cracks, and fix any issues immediately.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)