Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Santa Cruz
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for Santa Cruz residents:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average Santa Cruz home construction year is 1974. 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.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be a menace to your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't protect.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair contractor, you should consider what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you navigate 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. Talk to representatives to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, inspection processes and building codes.
Another way to assess a company's credibility is to check its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade qualifications. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
Before selecting a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB comments also show how companies resolve complaints. A proactive team that aims to achieve positive outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a business if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Santa Cruz
The price of your foundation repair project can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant damage, the normal cost falls at about $2,500. More involved projects requiring digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,700+. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $308 |
Leak Repair | $2,403 |
Stabilization | $4,112 |
Underpinning | $1,181 |
Waterproofing | $2,647 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Santa Cruz
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Santa Cruz?
What are the different types of foundations in Santa Cruz?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)