Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Tallahassee
A few typical reasons why Tallahassee homeowners deal with foundation troubles include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Tallahassee gets, 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 stay dry.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: While many Tallahassee homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that causes your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be complicated. We encourage you to jot down what you desire most in a contractor, 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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how its team will draft plans and pull permits, how the company inspects foundations, and what local codes apply to your project.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a company will mention how long it's been in the industry. It might also share blog posts to help potential clients.
Customer Reviews
Before selecting a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company manages them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, shows more negative reviews than positive ones, and doesn't communicate properly, you should avoid working with it.
Lastly, we encourage you to search additional sites, like Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Tallahassee
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,200. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,600 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $274 |
Leak Repair | $2,081 |
Stabilization | $3,517 |
Underpinning | $1,056 |
Waterproofing | $2,287 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Tallahassee
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Tallahassee?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing drains and sump pumps or using sealants around a cellar. Outdoor waterproofing is typically less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and creating physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
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)