Common Causes of Foundation Problems in St. Louis Park
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most common ones for St. Louis Park residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: St. Louis Park has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1965. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that causes your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is crucial to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a top-notch foundation repair firm. Evaluate each contractor using the following criteria:
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 further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, inspection processes and permit ordinances.
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 credentials. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Complaints don't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has fixed issues favorably and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with numerous negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in St. Louis Park
Foundation repair costs can vary substantially based on the degree of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable destruction, the typical cost will be around $3,100. More involved jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,900. Below are 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 St. Louis Park
What will I pay to repair my foundation in St. Louis Park?
What's the most popular foundation type in St. Louis Park?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a cellar. Outdoor waterproofing is typically less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and establishing physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)