Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Hollywood
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. Here are the most prevalent ones for Hollywood residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Hollywood experiences, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Aging plumbing: The average Hollywood home construction year is 1978. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation repair company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each company 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 what its representatives say. Inquire about its inspection processes, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to measure a company's reputation is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade qualifications. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. The BBB shows how companies handle complaints. A proactive team that strives for excellent outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a company if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Hollywood
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $2,500. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,700 or more. See below 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 Hollywood
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Hollywood?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Hollywood foundation repair services?
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
That said, foundation repair crews operate industrial machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or vibrations. 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)