Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Alpharetta
A home in Alpharetta might experience foundation issues for multiple reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Alpharetta gets, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Aging plumbing: While many Alpharetta homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that results in your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each contractor on your list about the following qualities.
Licensing and Experience
In Georgia, foundation companies may be licensed as general or specialty contractors. If a company holds a specialty license, it can only perform jobs within its Secretary of State-assigned classifications. Classifications are task-specific, including such specialties as concrete tilt-up, grading, and masonry. Talk to staff 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 discuss how long it's been in business. It might also upload blog posts to assist interested parties.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. The BBB shows how companies resolve complaints. A proactive team that strives for amicable outcomes is a good one. Avoid a contractor if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Alpharetta
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the degree of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the typical cost lands at about $3,400. More complex projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,000. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $395 |
Leak Repair | $3,250 |
Stabilization | $5,683 |
Underpinning | $1,512 |
Waterproofing | $3,598 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Alpharetta
How much does foundation repair cost in Alpharetta?
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Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Alpharetta foundation repair services?
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)