Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Columbus
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. These are the most widespread ones for Columbus residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Columbus 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 stay dry.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't protect.
- Aging plumbing: The average Columbus home construction year is 1977. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's stability depends greatly on its foundation. It's crucial to hire the top professionals possible. Center your research on these qualities:
Licensing and Experience
Indiana foundation repair companies don't need a state license to operate. However, local governments can and often do establish their own requirements, exams, and codes. Before you begin your company search, it's best to contact your city hall and learn about what's required. Talk to representatives to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, permit ordinances and building codes.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Usually, a foundation company will show how long it's been in the industry. It might also upload other content to help prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We suggest looking into the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have reported satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints don't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a good sign if the company has resolved issues favorably and proactively. You should stay away from a company with more negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Columbus
The price of your foundation repair project can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the normal cost is about $2,700. More involved projects requiring digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800+. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $320 |
Leak Repair | $2,526 |
Stabilization | $4,341 |
Underpinning | $1,230 |
Waterproofing | $2,785 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Columbus
How much does foundation repair cost in Columbus?
What are the different types of foundations in Columbus?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Discoloration or odors
- Hairline cracks
- Flooding
- Mold and mildew
- Plumbing leaks
- Uneven floors
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)