Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Novi
A home in Novi might experience foundation issues for numerous reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't protect.
- Aging plumbing: While many Novi 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.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.
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 trustworthy foundation repair contractor. Assess each firm using the following factors:
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. Talk to staff to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, building codes and permit ordinances.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Usually, a business will mention how long it's been in the industry. It might also publish articles to assist interested parties.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, go to 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 bad news. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has fixed issues proactively and appropriately. You should steer clear of a company with numerous negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Novi
The price of your foundation repair project can differ quite significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the normal cost is about $2,900. More complex projects requiring excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800+. See below 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 Novi
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Novi?
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 crawlspace. Exterior waterproofing is usually less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and creating physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
How long does foundation repair usually take?
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
That said, foundation repair crews use heavy machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or tremors. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)