Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Plymouth
Some common reasons why Plymouth homeowners suffer from foundation woes include:
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: While many Plymouth 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.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that results in your foundation cracking, 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 select the top professionals possible. Center 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 what its representatives say. Inquire about its inspection methods, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
One of the most effective ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to visit its website. Look for the company's years in business and the accreditations its team holds. Many top companies offer educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We recommend checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a high customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints don't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has resolved issues appropriately and proactively. You should stay away from a company with many negative reviews, no credentials, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Plymouth
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the average cost will likely fall around $3,100. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900 or more. 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 Plymouth
How much does foundation repair cost in Plymouth?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
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.
- Water the soil around your foundation evenly, 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 reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for cracks, and address any issues immediately.
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
That said, foundation repair crews use industrial machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or tremors. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)