Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Monroe
Some typical reasons why Monroe homeowners deal with foundation issues include:
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't cover.
- Aging plumbing: The average Monroe home construction year is 1975. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Monroe receives, 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.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair company, you should determine what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you steer 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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through what its representatives say. Ask about its inspection methods, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to gauge a company's credibility is to look at 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
When you're researching a company's standing, go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company responds to 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 properly, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we suggest you search different websites, including Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Monroe
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,700. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost will likely fall around $1,600. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,400 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $221 |
Leak Repair | $1,571 |
Stabilization | $2,571 |
Underpinning | $857 |
Waterproofing | $1,714 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Monroe
How much does foundation repair cost in Monroe?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Discoloration or odors
- Hairline cracks
- Uneven floors
- Plumbing leaks
- Mold and mildew
- Flooding
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 shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and fix any issues immediately.
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)