Common Causes of Foundation Problems in St. Louis
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for St. Louis residents:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: St. Louis 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 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's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair company, you should think about what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you steer the process.
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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Ask about its inspection methods, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to evaluate a company's credibility is to check 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
When you're researching a company's standing, check out its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Complaints don't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has fixed issues proactively and favorably. You should avoid a company with many negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in St. Louis
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the extent of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the normal cost is about $2,500. More complex projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,700. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
| Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crack Repair | $300 |
| Leak Repair | $2,333 |
| Stabilization | $3,983 |
| Underpinning | $1,154 |
| Waterproofing | $2,568 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in St. Louis
What will I pay to repair my foundation in St. Louis?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
What are the different types of foundations in St. Louis?
Do St. Louis 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)
