Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Fort Wayne
A home in Fort Wayne might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Aging plumbing: The average Fort Wayne home construction year is 1972. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation repair company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each contractor on your list about the following 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 staff to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, inspection processes and permit ordinances.
One of the best ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to explore its website. Look for the company's years in business and the accreditations its team holds. Many leading companies publish educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We advise examining the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can check 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 incompetent. The BBB shows how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that strives for excellent outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a contractor if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Fort Wayne
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,400. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,700 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $295 |
Leak Repair | $2,279 |
Stabilization | $3,883 |
Underpinning | $1,133 |
Waterproofing | $2,508 |
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 Fort Wayne
How much does foundation repair cost in Fort Wayne?
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
Do Fort Wayne foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
That said, foundation repair crews use heavy equipment, 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.
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)