Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Lafayette
Some common reasons why Lafayette homeowners face foundation issues include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Lafayette 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 keep dry.
- Aging plumbing: While many Lafayette homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To select a foundation repair contractor, you should determine what's most important to you. Use this list of attributes to help you navigate the process.
Licensing and Experience
While Louisiana issues state contracting licenses, they're not required for every foundation repair job. To perform work between $7,500 and $75,000 in value, a contractor must apply for a Home Improvement license. More expensive jobs require a Residential license. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how its team will draft plans and pull permits, what local codes apply to your project, and how the company inspects foundations.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Usually, a foundation company will disclose how long it's been operating. It might also share other content to assist interested parties.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, visit its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Complaints don't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a good sign if the company has fixed issues proactively and appropriately. You should steer clear of a company with more negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Lafayette
The cost of foundation repair can range quite widely based on the degree of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant destruction, the typical cost will be around $2,200. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,600. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $277 |
Leak Repair | $2,109 |
Stabilization | $3,569 |
Underpinning | $1,067 |
Waterproofing | $2,318 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Lafayette
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Lafayette?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
- Uneven floors
- Flooding
- Plumbing leaks
- Mold and mildew
- Discoloration or odors
- Hairline cracks
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.
- Water 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 repair any issues immediately.
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)