Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Bloomington
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for Bloomington residents:
- Aging plumbing: The average Bloomington home construction year is 1970. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over 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 properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be a menace to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't protect.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair contractor, you should determine what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you navigate the process.
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 representatives to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, inspection processes and building codes.
One of the simplest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to go to its website. Look for the company's history and the qualifications its team holds. Many well-known companies publish educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, 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 an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate properly, you should think twice about working with it.
Finally, we suggest you search other platforms, such as Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Bloomington
Foundation repair costs can range quite widely based on the scale of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant destruction, the typical cost will be around $3,100. More intricate jobs involving digging, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $6,900. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $360 |
Leak Repair | $2,913 |
Stabilization | $5,058 |
Underpinning | $1,381 |
Waterproofing | $3,220 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Bloomington
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Bloomington?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Discoloration or odors
- Uneven floors
- Flooding
- Hairline cracks
- Plumbing leaks
- Mold and mildew
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for cracks, and address any issues promptly.
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)