Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Southfield
Foundation issues have a few possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for Southfield residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Aging plumbing: The average Southfield home construction year is 1969. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have 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 completed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair business, you should consider what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you go through 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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about what local codes apply to your project, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and how the company inspects foundations.
Another way to measure a company's reputation is to look at its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade credentials. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company responds to them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has more negative reviews, and doesn't communicate properly, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we recommend you search additional sites, like Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in Southfield
The price of your foundation repair project can differ quite significantly depending on the severity of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation cracking and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is substantial damage, the typical cost falls at about $3,400. More involved projects requiring excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,000+. See below 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 Southfield
How much does foundation repair cost in Southfield?
What's the most popular foundation type in Southfield?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
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 evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for signs of damage, and repair any issues promptly.
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)