Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Visalia
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the top ones for Visalia residents:
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Aging plumbing: While many Visalia homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's stability relies on its foundation. It's important to hire the top professionals possible. Focus your research on 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. Talk to representatives to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, permit ordinances and building codes.
One of the simplest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to browse its website. Look for the company's years in business and what credentials its team holds. Many top companies offer educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We suggest looking into the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints don't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a good sign if the company has resolved issues proactively and appropriately. You should steer clear of a company with numerous negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Visalia
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the degree of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the typical cost falls at about $2,200. More involved projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,600. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $278 |
Leak Repair | $2,115 |
Stabilization | $3,580 |
Underpinning | $1,069 |
Waterproofing | $2,325 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Visalia
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Visalia?
What's the most popular foundation type in Visalia?
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and fix any issues promptly.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)