Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Cedar Falls
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. These are the most prevalent ones for Cedar Falls residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be a menace to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Aging plumbing: The average Cedar Falls home construction year is 1974. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation breaking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each contractor on your list about the following qualities.
Licensing and Experience
If an Iowa foundation company makes more than $2,000 per year, it must register with the state's Division of Labor. Registration doesn't require exams or continuing education. All it proves is that a company holds insurance and pays state taxes. However, cities in the Hawkeye State might still require licenses or practical training for foundation companies. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the details its representatives share. Inquire about its inspection methods, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Usually, a foundation company will disclose how long it's been in business. It might also share articles to help prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We suggest examining the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a positive 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 aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company manages them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, shows more negative reviews than positive ones, and doesn't communicate well, you should avoid working with it.
Finally, we suggest you search other platforms, such as Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Cedar Falls
Foundation repair costs can range quite widely based on the extent of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable destruction, the average cost will be around $2,600. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,800. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $319 |
Leak Repair | $2,514 |
Stabilization | $4,319 |
Underpinning | $1,225 |
Waterproofing | $2,772 |
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 Cedar Falls
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Cedar Falls?
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
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)