Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Fort Lauderdale
A home in Fort Lauderdale might experience foundation issues for multiple reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Aging plumbing: The average Fort Lauderdale 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.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be a menace to your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Fort Lauderdale 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 stay dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity relies on its foundation. It's essential to hire the top professionals possible. Center your research on these attributes:
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. Talk to staff to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, inspection processes and permit ordinances.
Another way to measure a company's credibility is to look at its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade accreditations. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, 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 address complaints. A proactive team that works toward positive outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a contractor if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Fort Lauderdale
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the average cost lands at about $2,500. More intricate projects requiring digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,700+. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $303 |
Leak Repair | $2,361 |
Stabilization | $4,034 |
Underpinning | $1,165 |
Waterproofing | $2,600 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Fort Lauderdale
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Fort Lauderdale?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
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 prevent 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, encouraging water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for signs of damage, and address any issues promptly.
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
That said, foundation repair crews use heavy equipment, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or tremors. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
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)