Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Sumter
A home in Sumter might experience foundation issues for multiple reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Aging plumbing: While many Sumter 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.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Sumter experiences, the soil soaks up 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.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation provider doesn't have to be complicated. We encourage you to list what you desire most in a company, then evaluate each contractor on your list against these characteristics.
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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how its team will draft plans and pull permits, what local codes apply to your project, and how the company inspects foundations.
One of the easiest ways to assess a company's reputation is to visit its website. Look for the company's history and the qualifications its team holds. Many prominent companies provide educational content for future customers.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing a company, examine 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 unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has resolved issues proactively and favorably. You should stay away from a company with many negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Sumter
The price of your foundation repair project can differ quite significantly based on the severity of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the average cost lands at about $2,600. More involved projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800+. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $316 |
Leak Repair | $2,488 |
Stabilization | $4,271 |
Underpinning | $1,215 |
Waterproofing | $2,743 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Sumter
How much does foundation repair cost in Sumter?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a basement. Exterior waterproofing is typically less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and forming physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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)