Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Santa Barbara, CA

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Santa Barbara

A home in Santa Barbara might experience foundation issues for numerous reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:

• Drought conditions: Santa Barbara is vulnerable to drought. The absence of rainfall and varying humidity levels each season contribute to ever-shifting soil. The resulting soil settlement can displace and break your foundation.
• Standing water: Standing water around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't protect.
• Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed 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 results in your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

Choosing a foundation provider doesn't have to be challenging. We encourage you to list what you desire most in a contractor, then evaluate each contractor on your selection against these attributes.

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 the company inspects foundations, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and what local codes apply to your project.

Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Usually, a foundation company will mention how long it's been in business. It might also upload articles to help prospective customers.

Customer Reviews

When you're researching a company's reputation, visit its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has settled issues favorably and proactively. You should stay away from a company with numerous negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.

Foundation Repair Cost in Santa Barbara

Foundation repair costs can vary substantially based on the scale of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable destruction, the average cost will be around $2,900. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $6,800. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.