Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Santa Monica
A few frequent reasons why Santa Monica homeowners suffer from foundation issues include:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Aging plumbing: The average Santa Monica home construction year is 1969. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage 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 leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, 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 hire the top professionals 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 what its representatives say. Inquire about its inspection methods, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Usually, a foundation company will disclose how long it's been operating. It might also share other content to assist interested parties.
Customer Reviews
We advise examining the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have shared 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 unqualified. The BBB shows how companies resolve complaints. A proactive team that strives for amicable outcomes is a good one. Avoid a contractor if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Santa Monica
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly depending on the extent of the issues 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 deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $2,700. More complex jobs involving excavation, 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 | $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 Santa Monica
How much does foundation repair cost in Santa Monica?
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for cracks, and address any issues immediately.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)