Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Santa Maria
A home in Santa Maria might experience foundation issues for a variety of reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Drought conditions: Santa Maria is prone to drought. The shortage of rainfall and varying humidity levels each season lead to ever-shifting soil. The resulting soil settlement can displace and crack your foundation.
- Aging plumbing: The average Santa Maria home construction year is 1979. 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: Standing water around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that causes your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's stability depends greatly on its foundation. It's vital to select the best team possible. Center your research on these 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. Talk to team members to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, permit ordinances and building codes.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Typically, a business will display how long it's been operating. It might also upload blog posts to help potential clients.
Customer Reviews
We recommend checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. The BBB shows how companies handle complaints. A proactive team that aims to achieve amicable outcomes is a good one. Avoid a contractor if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Santa Maria
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,900. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800 or more. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $341 |
Leak Repair | $2,724 |
Stabilization | $4,707 |
Underpinning | $1,307 |
Waterproofing | $3,007 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Santa Maria
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Santa Maria?
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Do Santa Maria foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)