Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Augusta
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the top ones for Augusta residents:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Augusta experiences, 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 keep dry.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Aging plumbing: While many Augusta 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 encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that results in your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation contractor, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each provider 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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how the company inspects foundations, what local codes apply to your project, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
One of the easiest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to go to its website. Look for the company's years in business and the accreditations its team holds. Many top companies provide educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
We suggest examining the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have reported satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Negative feedback doesn'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 steer clear of a company with more negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Augusta
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the typical cost is about $3,000. More involved projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,900. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $355 |
Leak Repair | $2,857 |
Stabilization | $4,955 |
Underpinning | $1,359 |
Waterproofing | $3,157 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Augusta
How much does foundation repair cost in Augusta?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
- Mold and mildew
- Flooding
- Plumbing leaks
- Uneven floors
- Hairline cracks
- Discoloration or odors
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Irrigate 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, promoting water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for cracks, and address any issues promptly.
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)