Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Marietta
A home in Marietta might experience foundation issues for a variety of 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 Marietta experiences, 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.
- Aging plumbing: While many Marietta 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: Standing water around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To select a foundation repair contractor, you should determine what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you navigate the process.
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, how the company inspects foundations, and what local codes apply to your project.
One of the most effective ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to go to its website. Look for how long the company has operated and what credentials its team holds. Many top companies publish educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. The BBB shows how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that aims to achieve amicable outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a business if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Marietta
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable damage, the typical cost falls at about $3,100. More complex projects requiring digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900+. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $367 |
Leak Repair | $2,977 |
Stabilization | $5,177 |
Underpinning | $1,406 |
Waterproofing | $3,291 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Marietta
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Marietta?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a crawlspace. Outdoor waterproofing is generally less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and establishing physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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)