Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Lincoln Park
Foundation issues have a few possible causes. Here are the top ones for Lincoln Park 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.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Aging plumbing: Lincoln Park has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1955. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that causes your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is essential to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a reliable foundation repair firm. Evaluate each firm using the following criteria:
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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Inquire about its inspection methods, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to measure a company's standing is to look at its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade accreditations. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
We recommend looking into the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company manages them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate properly, you should think twice about working with it.
Finally, we recommend you search additional sites, including Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in Lincoln Park
Foundation repair costs can differ significantly based on the extent of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is quite substantial damage, the average cost will be around $2,900. More involved jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $6,800. Below are 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 Lincoln Park
How much does foundation repair cost in Lincoln Park?
What's the most popular foundation type in Lincoln Park?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains 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.
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)