Common Causes of Foundation Problems in St. Clair Shores
Some frequent reasons why St. Clair Shores homeowners deal with foundation woes include:
- Aging plumbing: St. Clair Shores has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1956. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is crucial to its stability, so it's important to work with a trustworthy foundation repair contractor. Evaluate each contractor 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. Talk to representatives to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, inspection processes and permit ordinances.
One of the most effective ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to visit its website. Look for how long the company has operated and the accreditations its team holds. Many prominent companies provide educational content for future customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, check out its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB reviews also show how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that aims to achieve excellent outcomes is a good one. Avoid a business if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in St. Clair Shores
Foundation repair costs can differ significantly based on the scale of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the average cost will be around $2,500. More intricate jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,700. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $305 |
Leak Repair | $2,381 |
Stabilization | $4,071 |
Underpinning | $1,173 |
Waterproofing | $2,622 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in St. Clair Shores
How much does foundation repair cost in St. Clair Shores?
What's the most popular foundation type in St. Clair Shores?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for signs of damage, and fix any issues immediately.
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)