Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Bismarck
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the top ones for Bismarck residents:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Aging plumbing: While many Bismarck homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that causes your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's integrity depends greatly on its foundation. It's crucial to select the best team possible. Focus your research on these features:
Licensing and Experience
In North Dakota, foundation repair companies don't need a license to perform jobs under $4,000 in value. If a job exceeds the threshold, the owner must register business filings and proof of insurance with the Secretary of State's office. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through what its representatives say. Inquire about its inspection methods, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Usually, a foundation company will disclose how long it's been operating. It might also publish articles to assist prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We advise checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have shared satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints don't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a good sign if the company has settled issues appropriately and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with more negative reviews, no credentials, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Bismarck
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the scale of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the average cost lands at about $2,800. More complex projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,800. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $338 |
Leak Repair | $2,696 |
Stabilization | $4,655 |
Underpinning | $1,296 |
Waterproofing | $2,976 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Bismarck
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Bismarck?
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Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)