Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Orion
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. These are the most widespread ones for Orion residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Aging plumbing: While many Orion 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 performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that results in your foundation breaking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity relies on its foundation. It's essential to hire the best team possible. Focus your research on 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.
One of the simplest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to go to its website. Look for the company's history and what credentials its team holds. Many top companies publish educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
We recommend checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a positive 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 don't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a good sign if the company has resolved issues proactively and appropriately. You should avoid a company with numerous negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Orion
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the degree of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the average cost is about $3,400. More intricate projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,000. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $393 |
Leak Repair | $3,230 |
Stabilization | $5,646 |
Underpinning | $1,504 |
Waterproofing | $3,575 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Orion
How much does foundation repair cost in Orion?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
- Plumbing leaks
- Uneven floors
- Mold and mildew
- Hairline cracks
- Discoloration or odors
- Flooding
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for signs of damage, and address any issues promptly.
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
That said, foundation repair crews operate heavy 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)