Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Sarasota
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the top ones for Sarasota residents:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Sarasota gets, 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 keep dry.
- Aging plumbing: While many Sarasota 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.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that causes your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, 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 contractor 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 the details its representatives share. Inquire about its inspection processes, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to evaluate a company's credibility is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade credentials. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, visit 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 negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB reviews also show how companies address complaints. A responsive team that works toward excellent outcomes is a good one. Avoid a contractor if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Sarasota
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the extent 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 damage, the normal cost lands at about $2,500. More involved projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,700. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
| Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crack Repair | $303 |
| Leak Repair | $2,363 |
| Stabilization | $4,038 |
| Underpinning | $1,166 |
| Waterproofing | $2,602 |
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 Sarasota
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Sarasota?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
How long does foundation repair usually take?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Sarasota foundation repair services?
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)
