Common Causes of Foundation Problems in North Fort Myers
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most prevalent ones for North Fort Myers residents:
- Aging plumbing: While many North Fort Myers homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall North Fort Myers experiences, 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 completed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be complicated. We encourage you to list what you want most in a provider, then evaluate each provider on your list against these 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 details its representatives share. Ask about its inspection methods, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
One of the best ways to assess a company's reputation is to explore its website. Look for the company's history and the accreditations its team holds. Many well-known companies provide educational content for prospective customers.
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 expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints don't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has settled issues favorably and proactively. You should avoid a company with more negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in North Fort Myers
The price of your foundation repair project can vary substantially depending on the severity of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation cracking and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant damage, the normal cost falls at about $2,300. More involved projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $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 North Fort Myers
What will I pay to repair my foundation in North Fort Myers?
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
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.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for signs of damage, and fix any issues immediately.
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews use heavy 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)