Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Livonia
Foundation issues have some possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for Livonia residents:
- Aging plumbing: Livonia has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1964. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To pick a foundation repair company, you should think about what's most important to you. Use this list of criteria to help you navigate the process.
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 details its representatives share. Ask about its inspection processes, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
One of the simplest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to go to its website. Look for the company's years in business and the accreditations its team holds. Many top companies provide educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
We advise looking into the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a high customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have reported satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB reviews also show how companies address complaints. A proactive team that works toward positive outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a contractor if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Livonia
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,900. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800 or more. 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 Livonia
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Livonia?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Livonia foundation repair services?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews operate industrial machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or vibrations. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
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)