Common Causes of Foundation Problems in North Lauderdale
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for North Lauderdale residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall North Lauderdale receives, 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.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average North Lauderdale home construction year is 1976. 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.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To pick a foundation repair contractor, you should think about what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you navigate 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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the details its representatives share. Ask about its inspection processes, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will discuss how long it's been operating. It might also publish articles to assist interested parties.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, check out 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. The BBB shows how companies address complaints. A responsive team that works toward excellent outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a company if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in North Lauderdale
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation fractures 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. Below are 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 North Lauderdale
How much does foundation repair cost in North Lauderdale?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
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 basement. Outdoor waterproofing is typically less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and creating physical barriers between your foundation and yard.
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)