Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Hattiesburg
Some common reasons why Hattiesburg homeowners encounter foundation troubles include:
- Aging plumbing: While many Hattiesburg homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Hattiesburg receives, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that results in your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each company on your list about the following qualities.
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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how its team will draft plans and pull permits, how the company inspects foundations, and what local codes apply to your project.
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 accreditations. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
We recommend checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a positive 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. BBB reviews also show how companies address complaints. A responsive team that aims to achieve excellent outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a contractor if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Hattiesburg
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,700. However, if there is significant damage, the average cost falls at about $1,900. More involved projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,500. 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 Hattiesburg
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Hattiesburg?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
Do Hattiesburg foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)