Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Eden Prairie
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. Here are the most common ones for Eden Prairie residents:
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: While many Eden Prairie homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, 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.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation repair company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each contractor 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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how the company inspects foundations, what local codes apply to your project, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Typically, a business will mention how long it's been in business. It might also upload other content to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, check out its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB reviews also show how companies address complaints. A proactive team that strives for excellent outcomes is a good one. Avoid a company if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Eden Prairie
Foundation repair costs can vary substantially based on the degree of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is quite substantial destruction, the average cost will be around $3,100. More intricate jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,900. See below 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 Eden Prairie
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Eden Prairie?
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure 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 expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for signs of damage, and fix 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)