Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Brandon
A home in Brandon might experience foundation issues for a variety of reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: While many Brandon homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Brandon gets, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that causes your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is crucial to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a trustworthy foundation repair firm. Assess each firm using the following criteria:
Licensing and Experience
Florida's contractor licensing system is rather unique. The state's Department of Business and Professional Regulation issues "certified" contractor licenses in building, general contracting, and residential construction that foundation companies must earn. There are also "registered" licenses issued at a local level. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how its team will draft plans and pull permits, how the company inspects foundations, and what local codes apply to your project.
One of the easiest ways to assess a company's reputation is to explore its website. Look for how long the company has operated and what credentials its team holds. Many leading companies provide educational content for future customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, check out its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB reviews also show how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that works toward amicable outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a company if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Brandon
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,200. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,600 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $278 |
Leak Repair | $2,113 |
Stabilization | $3,576 |
Underpinning | $1,069 |
Waterproofing | $2,322 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Brandon
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Brandon?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
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)