Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Summerville
A home in Summerville might experience foundation issues for numerous reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Summerville gets, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Aging plumbing: While many Summerville 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.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that causes your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's stability depends greatly on its foundation. It's essential to hire the most qualified crew possible. Center your research on these qualities:
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. Talk to team members to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, permit ordinances and inspection processes.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Usually, a company will disclose how long it's been operating. It might also share blog posts to help prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB comments also show how companies resolve complaints. A proactive team that works toward excellent outcomes is a good one. Avoid a company if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Summerville
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the normal cost falls at about $3,100. More complex projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,900. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $360 |
Leak Repair | $2,905 |
Stabilization | $5,044 |
Underpinning | $1,378 |
Waterproofing | $3,211 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Summerville
How much does foundation repair cost in Summerville?
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)