Best 3 Foundation Repair Companies in Lake Charles, LA

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Lake Charles

Foundation issues have a few possible causes. Here are the top ones for Lake Charles residents:

• Aging plumbing: While many Lake Charles 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: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
• Standing water: Pooling water around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
• Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Lake Charles gets, the soil soaks up 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 enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each company on your list about the following qualities.

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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the details its representatives share. Inquire about its inspection processes, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.

Another way to measure a company's standing is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade credentials. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.

Customer Reviews

Before choosing a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB reviews also show how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that aims to achieve excellent outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a company if you don't see clear communication about problems.

Foundation Repair Cost in Lake Charles

The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the degree of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the typical cost is about $2,500. More complex projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,700. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.