Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Sandy Springs
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the top ones for Sandy Springs residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Sandy Springs gets, 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 stay dry.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Aging plumbing: While many Sandy Springs homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
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 the company inspects foundations, what local codes apply to your project, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
Another way to evaluate a company's credibility is to examine 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
When you're researching a company's credibility, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB reviews also show how companies address complaints. A proactive team that works toward amicable outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a business if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Sandy Springs
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the degree of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is significant damage, the average cost falls at about $3,500. More intricate projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,100. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $402 |
Leak Repair | $3,318 |
Stabilization | $5,809 |
Underpinning | $1,539 |
Waterproofing | $3,674 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Sandy Springs
How much does foundation repair cost in Sandy Springs?
What's the most popular foundation type in Sandy Springs?
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 avoid 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, encouraging water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and address any issues promptly.
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
That said, foundation repair crews use heavy machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or vibrations. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)