Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Great Falls
A home in Great Falls might experience foundation issues for numerous reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: Great Falls 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, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be challenging. We encourage you to jot down what you desire most in a company, then evaluate each company on your selection against these qualities.
Licensing and Experience
Montana's Employment Standards Division requires foundation companies to register every two years. Registration does not involve trade exams, but it does show that a contractor has the proper insurance and is prudent in legal matters. Cities and counties can still require contractors to apply for local licenses before performing foundation work. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Ask about its inspection processes, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to determine a company's standing is to look at its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade qualifications. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews 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 fixed issues appropriately and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with many negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Great Falls
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,500. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,700 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $307 |
Leak Repair | $2,395 |
Stabilization | $4,097 |
Underpinning | $1,178 |
Waterproofing | $2,638 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Great Falls
How much does foundation repair cost in Great Falls?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
Do Great Falls foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews use heavy machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or vibrations. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)