Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Blaine
Some frequent reasons why Blaine homeowners encounter foundation woes include:
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- 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 Blaine homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.
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
Minnesota foundation repair companies need both a residential building contractor and residential remodeler license from the Department of Labor and Industry. The former license lets a company work on new construction, while the latter allows it to modify and repair existing foundations. Business owners need to take 14 hours of continuing education to renew a license. If a contractor makes less than $15,000 from foundation work, they can apply for a Certificate of Exemption and do not need a license. Talk to team members to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, building codes and inspection processes.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Usually, a foundation company will discuss how long it's been in business. It might also publish other content to assist prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has settled issues favorably and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with numerous negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Blaine
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is more significant deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $2,800. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,800 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $339 |
Leak Repair | $2,704 |
Stabilization | $4,670 |
Underpinning | $1,299 |
Waterproofing | $2,985 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Blaine
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Blaine?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing drains and sump pumps or using sealants around a basement. Outdoor waterproofing is usually less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and establishing physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
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)