Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Urbandale
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most prevalent ones for Urbandale residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Aging plumbing: While many Urbandale 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.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation company doesn't have to be difficult. We encourage you to jot down what you expect most in a contractor, then evaluate each company on your list against these 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 information its team gives you. Ask about its inspection methods, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will display how long it's been operating. It might also upload other content to assist interested parties.
Customer Reviews
We suggest checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine 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. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has settled issues favorably and proactively. You should stay away from a company with more negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Urbandale
The price of your foundation repair project can differ quite significantly depending on the scale of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant damage, the average cost falls at about $2,800. More intricate projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800+. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $338 |
Leak Repair | $2,692 |
Stabilization | $4,648 |
Underpinning | $1,294 |
Waterproofing | $2,971 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Urbandale
How much does foundation repair cost in Urbandale?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing drains and sump pumps or using sealants around a cellar. Exterior waterproofing is usually less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and establishing physical barriers between your foundation and yard.
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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)