Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Cutler Bay
A home in Cutler Bay might experience foundation issues for numerous reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Cutler Bay receives, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
- Aging plumbing: While many Cutler Bay 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 create stress that causes your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
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 top-notch foundation repair company. Evaluate 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 what local codes apply to your project, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and how the company inspects foundations.
Another way to evaluate a company's standing is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade accreditations. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
We advise reviewing the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a high 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. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB reviews also show how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that strives for excellent outcomes is a good one. Avoid a company if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Cutler Bay
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the typical cost lands at about $2,500. More intricate projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,700. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $309 |
Leak Repair | $2,415 |
Stabilization | $4,134 |
Underpinning | $1,186 |
Waterproofing | $2,660 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Cutler Bay
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Cutler Bay?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
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.
- 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, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and address any issues promptly.
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)