Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Westland
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most common ones for Westland residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average Westland home construction year is 1967. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't protect.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that causes your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each company on your list about the following qualities.
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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through what its representatives say. Inquire about its inspection methods, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a business will show how long it's been in the industry. It might also publish articles to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its 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 proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has more negative reviews, and doesn't communicate effectively, you should avoid working with it.
Finally, we encourage you to search additional sites, including Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Westland
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the degree of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the normal cost falls at about $2,900. More complex projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $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 Westland
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Westland?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
- Plumbing leaks
- Uneven floors
- Hairline cracks
- Discoloration or odors
- Flooding
- Mold and mildew
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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)