Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Rancho Palos Verdes
A home in Rancho Palos Verdes might experience foundation issues for numerous reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average Rancho Palos Verdes home construction year is 1966. 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.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that causes your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each contractor on your list about the following 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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how its team will draft plans and pull permits, how the company inspects foundations, and what local codes apply to your project.
Another way to assess a company's standing is to check its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade credentials. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
Before selecting a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Complaints don't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has settled issues appropriately and proactively. You should stay away from a company with many negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Rancho Palos Verdes
The price of your foundation repair project can vary substantially based on the extent of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the normal cost is about $2,700. More involved projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800+. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $325 |
Leak Repair | $2,572 |
Stabilization | $4,426 |
Underpinning | $1,248 |
Waterproofing | $2,837 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Rancho Palos Verdes
How much does foundation repair cost in Rancho Palos Verdes?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
What are the different types of foundations in Rancho Palos Verdes?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for signs of damage, and repair any issues promptly.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)