Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Biloxi
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for Biloxi residents:
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Biloxi gets, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Aging plumbing: While many Biloxi 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.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that results in your foundation breaking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's integrity relies on its foundation. It's important to hire the top professionals possible. Center your research on these characteristics:
Licensing and Experience
The Mississippi State Board of Contractors licenses foundation repair companies that make money over a legal threshold. For new construction, the threshold is $50,000, and for remodeling, it is $10,000. Your foundation company will likely have a "Concrete" classification, which requires the business owner to pass a trade exam. Talk to staff to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, permit ordinances and inspection processes.
One of the simplest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to visit its website. Look for the company's history and the accreditations its team holds. Many leading companies publish educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, visit its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company manages them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, shows more negative reviews than positive ones, and doesn't communicate well, you should avoid working with it.
Lastly, we recommend you search additional sites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Biloxi
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,700. However, if there is more significant deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $1,900. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,500 or more. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $247 |
Leak Repair | $1,814 |
Stabilization | $3,022 |
Underpinning | $952 |
Waterproofing | $1,987 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Biloxi
How much does foundation repair cost in Biloxi?
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 slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and repair any issues promptly.
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews use heavy machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or vibrations. 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)