Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Dearborn
A few typical reasons why Dearborn homeowners face foundation problems include:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
- Aging plumbing: Dearborn has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1956. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that results in your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be challenging. We encourage you to jot down what you desire most in a provider, then evaluate each company on your list against these attributes.
Licensing and Experience
Michigan foundation repair companies need a Residential Builder license, a Residential Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license, or both. The state's Licensing and Regulatory Affairs department oversees new applications. It also administrates continuing education required of all contractors. 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.
Another way to assess a company's credibility is to check its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade credentials. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, check out its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has resolved issues proactively and appropriately. You should stay away from a company with numerous negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Dearborn
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost lands at about $2,900. More complex projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,800. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $340 |
Leak Repair | $2,712 |
Stabilization | $4,685 |
Underpinning | $1,302 |
Waterproofing | $2,994 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Dearborn
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Dearborn?
What are the different types of foundations in Dearborn?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
- Plumbing leaks
- Discoloration or odors
- Uneven floors
- Hairline cracks
- Mold and mildew
- Flooding
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)