Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Fort Collins
A few typical reasons why Fort Collins homeowners deal with foundation issues include:
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't cover.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: While many Fort Collins homes are fairly new, some still use 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 exert pressure that results in your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is essential to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a reliable foundation repair provider. Evaluate each firm using the following factors:
Licensing and Experience
Colorado leaves contracting licenses up to cities, counties, and regional building departments. Foundation companies operating in Denver, greater Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Fort Collins, and the city of Grand Junction must hold at least a general contracting license. Consult your local building authority for more information. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Ask about its inspection processes, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Usually, a foundation company will mention how long it's been in the industry. It might also publish other content to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
We advise examining the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have reported satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company responds to them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate effectively, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we encourage you to search different websites, like Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Fort Collins
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly based on the scale of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the average cost will be around $2,600. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,700. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $311 |
Leak Repair | $2,436 |
Stabilization | $4,175 |
Underpinning | $1,195 |
Waterproofing | $2,685 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Fort Collins
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Fort Collins?
Do Fort Collins foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and address any issues promptly.
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)