Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in North Charleston, SC

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in North Charleston

Foundation issues have a few possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for North Charleston residents:

• Aging plumbing: While many North Charleston homes are fairly new, some still 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's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
• Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done properly could lead to your foundation settling.
• Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall North Charleston 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 stay dry.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

Your home's integrity weighs heavily on its foundation. It's important to select the top professionals possible. Center your research on these features:

Licensing and Experience

According to the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, foundation repair companies need a general contractor's license. Contractors that do not perform commercial work can pursue licensure from the Residential Builders Commission. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through what its representatives say. Ask about its inspection methods, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.

Another way to determine a company's credibility is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade credentials. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.

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. Complaints don't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a good sign if the company has fixed issues favorably and proactively. You should stay away from a company with many negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.

Foundation Repair Cost in North Charleston

The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the scale of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the normal cost lands at about $2,700. More complex projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,800. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.