Common Causes of Foundation Problems in St. Cloud
Foundation issues have some possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for St. Cloud residents:
- Aging plumbing: The average St. Cloud home construction year is 1982. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing 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.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be challenging. We encourage you to list what you want most in a contractor, then evaluate each company on your selection against these 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. Talk to team members to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, inspection processes and permit ordinances.
Another way to measure a company's standing is to look at its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade credentials. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, head to 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 complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. The BBB shows how companies address complaints. A proactive team that aims to achieve excellent outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a contractor if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in St. Cloud
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to fix 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. This table shows 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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in St. Cloud
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)