Common Causes of Foundation Problems in The Villages
A few common reasons why The Villages homeowners encounter foundation problems include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall The Villages gets, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Aging plumbing: While many The Villages 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.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that causes your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To select a foundation repair contractor, you should determine what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you go through 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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about what local codes apply to your project, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and how the company inspects foundations.
One of the easiest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to find its website. Look for the company's years in business and the qualifications its team holds. Many top companies offer educational content for future customers.
Customer Reviews
Before committing to a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company responds to them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has more negative reviews, and doesn't communicate effectively, you should think twice about working with it.
Finally, we suggest you search additional sites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in The Villages
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly based on the extent of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the average cost will be around $2,500. More involved jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,700. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $306 |
Leak Repair | $2,383 |
Stabilization | $4,075 |
Underpinning | $1,174 |
Waterproofing | $2,624 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in The Villages
What will I pay to repair my foundation in The Villages?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with The Villages foundation repair services?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for signs of damage, and repair any issues immediately.
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)