Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Evansville
A home in Evansville might experience foundation issues for multiple reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average Evansville home construction year is 1972. 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.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Evansville gets, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is crucial to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a top-notch foundation repair firm. Assess each company using the following criteria:
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. 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.
One of the simplest ways to assess a company's reputation is to explore its website. Look for the company's years in business and the qualifications its team holds. Many top companies provide educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
We recommend looking into the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB comments also show how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that works toward amicable outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a contractor if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Evansville
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what's necessary 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 is about $3,300. More intricate projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,000. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $383 |
Leak Repair | $3,130 |
Stabilization | $5,461 |
Underpinning | $1,466 |
Waterproofing | $3,463 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Evansville
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Evansville?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for cracks, and address any issues immediately.
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)