Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Tupelo
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. These are the most widespread ones for Tupelo residents:
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Tupelo experiences, 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 stay dry.
- Aging plumbing: While many Tupelo homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To pick a foundation repair contractor, you should determine what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you navigate the process.
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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Inquire about its inspection processes, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a company will mention how long it's been in business. It might also publish articles to assist potential clients.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, check out 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. Complaints don't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has settled issues favorably and proactively. You should avoid a company with numerous negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Tupelo
The price of your foundation repair project can differ quite significantly depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,700. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the typical cost is about $1,900. More intricate projects requiring digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $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 Tupelo
How much does foundation repair cost in Tupelo?
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 prevent water accumulation.
- Water 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, encouraging water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for signs of damage, and address any issues immediately.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)