Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Mount Pleasant
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for Mount Pleasant residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Mount Pleasant receives, the soil absorbs 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.
- Aging plumbing: Mount Pleasant has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1959. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Pooling 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 intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity weighs heavily on its foundation. It's important to choose the most qualified crew possible. Focus your research on these attributes:
Licensing and Experience
New York's state government doesn't issue contracting licenses, but cities often choose to require them of foundation companies and other builders. For example, New York City requires foundation and excavating contractors to obtain a "Safety Registration Number" with a concrete work endorsement. They also need to register as a general contractor or home improvement contractor. Talk to representatives to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, building codes and inspection processes.
Another way to assess a company's reputation 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
When you're researching a company's credibility, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company manages them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate well, you should avoid working with it.
Lastly, we encourage you to search different websites, including Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Mount Pleasant
The price of your foundation repair project can vary substantially based on the scale of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation cracking and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable damage, the normal cost is about $3,500. More involved projects requiring excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,100+. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $399 |
Leak Repair | $3,288 |
Stabilization | $5,753 |
Underpinning | $1,527 |
Waterproofing | $3,640 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Mount Pleasant
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Mount Pleasant?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
Do Mount Pleasant foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
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)