Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Gainesville
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most common ones for Gainesville residents:
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation, 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 Gainesville receives, 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.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: While many Gainesville 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.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation provider doesn't have to be difficult. We encourage you to jot down what you expect most in a provider, then evaluate each company on your list against these 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 additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, building codes and permit ordinances.
Another way to assess a company's reputation is to check its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade accreditations. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
We recommend looking into the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a high customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have reported satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. The BBB shows how companies address complaints. A proactive team that strives for amicable outcomes is a good one. Avoid a company if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Gainesville
Foundation repair costs can differ significantly based on the scale of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is quite substantial destruction, the normal cost will be around $3,000. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $6,900. Below are 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 Gainesville
How much does foundation repair cost in Gainesville?
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 basement. Outdoor waterproofing is usually less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and creating physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
Do Gainesville foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
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)