Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Burnsville
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. These are the most prevalent ones for Burnsville residents:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: While many Burnsville 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.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity relies on its foundation. It's important to choose the most qualified crew possible. Focus your research on these characteristics:
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 simplest ways to assess a company's reputation is to go to its website. Look for the company's years in business and the qualifications its team holds. Many leading companies offer educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
Before selecting a company, examine 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 handles 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 different websites, including Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Burnsville
Foundation repair costs can differ significantly based on the extent of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is quite substantial deterioration, the normal cost will be around $3,800. More involved jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $7,200. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $436 |
Leak Repair | $3,639 |
Stabilization | $6,404 |
Underpinning | $1,664 |
Waterproofing | $4,034 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Burnsville
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Burnsville?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
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.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for signs of damage, and address any issues promptly.
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)