Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Milton
A home in Milton 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 Milton experiences, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: While many Milton 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 gutter system doesn't cover.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is vital to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a top-notch foundation repair firm. Evaluate each provider using the following criteria:
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, inspection processes and permit ordinances.
Another way to gauge a company's reputation is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade qualifications. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, go to 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. Complaints don'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 fixed issues favorably and proactively. You should stay away from a company with many negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Milton
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the extent of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is significant damage, the typical cost falls at about $3,400. More intricate projects involving excavating, 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 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Foundation Repair Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Milton
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Milton?
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for signs of damage, and repair any issues immediately.
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
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)
