Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Fort Myers
A home in Fort Myers 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: Standing water around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Fort Myers gets, the soil soaks up 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.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair contractor, you should consider what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you steer the process.
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 representatives to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, inspection processes and permit ordinances.
One of the easiest ways to assess a company's reputation is to visit its website. Look for how long the company has operated and the accreditations its team holds. Many well-known companies publish educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, visit its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, 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 properly, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we suggest you search different websites, like Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Fort Myers
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the degree of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant damage, the average cost falls at about $2,300. More involved projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,700. Below are 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 Fort Myers
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Fort Myers?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a cellar. Exterior waterproofing is typically less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and establishing physical barriers between your foundation and yard.
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
Do Fort Myers foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)