Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Minot
A home in Minot might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Aging plumbing: The average Minot home construction year is 1978. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing 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.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be a menace to your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is crucial to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a quality foundation repair contractor. Evaluate each company using the following factors:
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. Talk to representatives to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, inspection processes and permit ordinances.
One of the simplest ways to assess a company's reputation is to explore its website. Look for how long the company has operated and the accreditations its team holds. Many top companies provide educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. 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 accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Minot
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 more significant damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,300. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,600 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $284 |
Leak Repair | $2,177 |
Stabilization | $3,694 |
Underpinning | $1,094 |
Waterproofing | $2,394 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Foundation Repair Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Minot
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Minot?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Flooding
- Discoloration or odors
- Hairline cracks
- Plumbing leaks
- Mold and mildew
- Uneven floors
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 avoid water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for cracks, and fix any issues promptly.
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews use industrial 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)