Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Cottage Grove, MN

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Cottage Grove

A home in Cottage Grove might experience foundation issues for numerous reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:

• Aging plumbing: The average Cottage Grove home construction year is 1979. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
• Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
• Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

When choosing a foundation contractor, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each provider 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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Inquire about its inspection processes, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.

Another way to assess a company's credibility is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade qualifications. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.

Customer Reviews

Before committing to a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Complaints don't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a good sign if the company has settled issues appropriately and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with many negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.

Foundation Repair Cost in Cottage Grove

The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $3,000. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.