Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Sterling Heights
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the top ones for Sterling Heights residents:
- Aging plumbing: The average Sterling Heights home construction year is 1982. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have 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.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't reach.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To select a foundation repair company, 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.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Usually, a company will display how long it's been in business. It might also publish articles to assist prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We suggest examining the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB comments also show how companies handle complaints. A proactive team that strives for positive outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a company if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Sterling Heights
The price of your foundation repair project can differ quite significantly based on the extent of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the normal cost lands at about $2,500. More involved projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,700+. Below are 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 Sterling Heights
How much does foundation repair cost in Sterling Heights?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
Do Sterling Heights foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)