Common Causes of Foundation Problems in St. Joseph
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. These are the most widespread ones for St. Joseph residents:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: St. Joseph has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1964. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that causes your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each contractor on your list about the following qualities.
Licensing and Experience
Missouri doesn't issue contractor licenses, but foundation repair companies must still register with the Secretary of State. Local governments often have their own licensing requirements for contractors. Talk to staff to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, building codes and permit ordinances.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Usually, a foundation company will disclose how long it's been operating. It might also upload other content to help potential clients.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. The BBB shows how companies resolve complaints. A responsive team that aims to achieve amicable outcomes is a good one. Avoid a company if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in St. Joseph
The price of your foundation repair project can vary substantially based on the extent of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the normal cost lands at about $3,000. More complex projects requiring digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900+. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
| Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crack Repair | $351 |
| Leak Repair | $2,823 |
| Stabilization | $4,892 |
| Underpinning | $1,346 |
| Waterproofing | $3,119 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in St. Joseph
How much does foundation repair cost in St. Joseph?
What are the different types of foundations in St. Joseph?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with St. Joseph foundation repair services?
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 prevent water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, 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 reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for cracks, 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)
