Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Brooklyn Park
A home in Brooklyn Park might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:
- Aging plumbing: While many Brooklyn Park homes are fairly new, some still use 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 done to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't cover.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is essential to its stability, so it's important to work with a trustworthy foundation repair company. Assess each provider using the following factors:
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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the details its representatives share. Inquire about its inspection processes, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
One of the best ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to browse its website. Look for the company's years in business and the qualifications its team holds. Many leading companies provide educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. The BBB shows how companies resolve complaints. A responsive team that works toward amicable outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a company if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Brooklyn Park
The price of your foundation repair project can differ quite significantly based on the severity of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation cracking and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the normal cost falls at about $3,100. More complex projects requiring digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $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 Brooklyn Park
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Brooklyn Park?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
- Discoloration or odors
- Mold and mildew
- Plumbing leaks
- Hairline cracks
- Flooding
- Uneven floors
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 prevent 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 slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for signs of damage, and fix any issues promptly.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)