Common Causes of Foundation Problems in South Miami Heights
Some frequent reasons why South Miami Heights homeowners experience foundation woes include:
- Aging plumbing: While many South Miami Heights 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.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall South Miami Heights experiences, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation provider doesn't have to be challenging. We encourage you to jot down what you want most in a provider, then evaluate each company on your list against these characteristics.
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. Talk to representatives to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, permit ordinances and inspection processes.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will show how long it's been in the industry. It might also upload other content to assist interested parties.
Customer Reviews
We advise checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine whether it's accredited and has a high customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have shared satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints don't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has settled issues appropriately and proactively. You should stay away from a company with numerous negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in South Miami Heights
The price of your foundation repair project can differ quite significantly depending on the scale of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the normal cost falls at about $2,500. More involved projects requiring excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,700+. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $309 |
Leak Repair | $2,415 |
Stabilization | $4,134 |
Underpinning | $1,186 |
Waterproofing | $2,660 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in South Miami Heights
How much does foundation repair cost in South Miami Heights?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with South Miami Heights foundation repair services?
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
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)