Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Smyrna
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most widespread ones for Smyrna residents:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Smyrna receives, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't protect.
- Aging plumbing: While many Smyrna 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
When choosing a foundation contractor, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each contractor 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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the details its representatives share. Inquire about its inspection processes, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Typically, a business will mention how long it's been in business. It might also share other content to assist prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, visit its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a good sign if the company has settled issues favorably and proactively. You should stay away from a company with more negative reviews, no credentials, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Smyrna
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the scale of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is significant damage, the typical cost is about $3,100. More intricate projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,900. Below are 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 Smyrna
How much does foundation repair cost in Smyrna?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)