Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Macon
Foundation issues have some possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for Macon residents:
- Aging plumbing: The average Macon home construction year is 1976. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Macon receives, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation contractor, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each company 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 its team will draft plans and pull permits, what local codes apply to your project, and how the company inspects foundations.
One of the easiest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to visit its website. Look for how long the company has operated and what credentials its team holds. Many leading companies offer educational content for future customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, check out its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has settled issues appropriately and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with many negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
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Macon Foundation Repair FAQ
How much does foundation repair cost in Macon?
Foundation repair costs about $3,000 in Macon. The final numbers hinge on what type of repair you need and how severe the damage is.
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
You don't have to leave your home for foundation work. Innovative technology allows exceptional results with minimal disruption and digging. However, the crew will still use industrial machinery, and you may still hear loud noises and feel vibration while they're working. If either of these would bother you, you can always choose to leave and return when the crew is completed.
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
If you spotted the issue through early warning signs like cracking walls, you'll likely not require a replacement. Usually, replacement's only needed for extensive, severe damage.
How long does foundation repair usually take?
Foundation repair is usually a multi-day job, but the hands-on work takes less than a week. If your repair job involves new concrete, the crew might pause work for seven to ten days while it cures.
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)
