Common Causes of Foundation Problems in West Palm Beach
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the top ones for West Palm Beach residents:
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall West Palm Beach 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 keep dry.
- Drought conditions: West Palm Beach is vulnerable to drought. The shortage of rainfall and changing humidity levels each season lead to ever-shifting soil. The resulting soil settlement can move and crack your foundation.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's integrity depends greatly on its foundation. It's crucial to choose the top professionals possible. Center your research on these attributes:
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 information its team gives you. Ask about its inspection methods, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Typically, a company will disclose how long it's been in the industry. It might also publish blog posts to assist potential clients.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Complaints don't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has fixed issues appropriately and proactively. You should stay away from a company with many negative reviews, no credentials, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in West Palm Beach
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,400. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,700 or more. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $293 |
Leak Repair | $2,263 |
Stabilization | $3,853 |
Underpinning | $1,127 |
Waterproofing | $2,490 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in West Palm Beach
How much does foundation repair cost in West Palm Beach?
What are the different types of foundations in West Palm Beach?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)