Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Gulfport
Some typical reasons why Gulfport homeowners face foundation woes include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Gulfport receives, 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 Gulfport 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.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.
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 reliable foundation repair provider. Assess each firm using the following criteria:
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 representatives to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, permit ordinances and building codes.
One of the easiest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to explore its website. Look for the company's years in business and the qualifications its team holds. Many well-known companies publish educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, visit its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company handles 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 encourage you to search additional sites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Gulfport
The price of your foundation repair project can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,700. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the average cost lands at about $1,900. More involved projects requiring excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,500+. Below are 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 Gulfport
How much does foundation repair cost in Gulfport?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
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 evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for signs of damage, and repair any issues immediately.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)