Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Rochester
Some common reasons why Rochester homeowners experience foundation problems include:
- Aging plumbing: While many Rochester 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: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- 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 create stress that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair contractor, you should think about what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you go through the process.
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. Talk to team members to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, permit ordinances and inspection processes.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a business will discuss how long it's been in business. It might also publish blog posts to assist potential clients.
Customer Reviews
We advise examining the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. The BBB shows how companies handle complaints. A proactive team that works toward excellent outcomes is a good one. Avoid a business if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Rochester
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the degree of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the average cost falls at about $3,000. More complex projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,900. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $354 |
Leak Repair | $2,851 |
Stabilization | $4,944 |
Underpinning | $1,357 |
Waterproofing | $3,150 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Foundation Repair Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Rochester
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Rochester?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
How long does foundation repair usually take?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition 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, encouraging water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for signs of damage, and repair any issues immediately.
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)