Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Dunedin
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for Dunedin residents:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average Dunedin home construction year is 1979. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, 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 Dunedin experiences, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation breaking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each provider on your list about the following qualities.
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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Ask about its inspection processes, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will mention how long it's been in the industry. It might also upload blog posts to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB reviews also show how companies resolve complaints. A proactive team that aims to achieve positive outcomes is a good one. Avoid a business if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Dunedin
Foundation repair costs can range quite widely based on the extent of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the normal cost will be around $2,300. More involved jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or extensive 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 | $290 |
Leak Repair | $2,237 |
Stabilization | $3,805 |
Underpinning | $1,117 |
Waterproofing | $2,461 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Dunedin
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Dunedin?
How long does foundation repair usually take?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Irrigate 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 reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for cracks, and repair 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)