Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Plantation
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most widespread ones for Plantation residents:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Pooling 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.
- Aging plumbing: The average Plantation home construction year is 1980. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Plantation gets, 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 stay dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is vital to its stability, so it's important to work with a quality foundation repair provider. Assess each firm using the following factors:
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 methods, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to assess a company's standing is to check its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade accreditations. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. The BBB shows how companies address complaints. A proactive team that works toward amicable outcomes is a good one. Avoid a contractor if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Plantation
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the scale of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the average cost is about $2,500. More involved projects involving tunneling, 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 | $303 |
Leak Repair | $2,361 |
Stabilization | $4,034 |
Underpinning | $1,165 |
Waterproofing | $2,600 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Foundation Repair Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Plantation
How much does foundation repair cost in Plantation?
What are the different types of foundations in Plantation?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Plantation foundation repair services?
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 prevent 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 angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for cracks, and repair any issues immediately.
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)