Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Cleveland
A few frequent reasons why Cleveland homeowners encounter foundation troubles include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Cleveland receives, 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.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: While many Cleveland 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.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that results in your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each company on your list about the following qualities.
Licensing and Experience
In Tennessee, foundation work has its own residential building contractor license classification. Any company that performs foundation work valued at over $25,000 must have a license, no matter whether it is a primary contractor or subcontractor. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Inquire about its inspection methods, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
One of the best ways to assess a company's reputation is to explore its website. Look for the company's history and what credentials its team holds. Many top companies offer educational content for 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. Complaints don't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has fixed issues favorably and proactively. You should avoid a company with numerous negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Cleveland
The price of your foundation repair project can range widely based on the scale of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the typical cost falls at about $2,700. More involved projects requiring digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800+. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $321 |
Leak Repair | $2,532 |
Stabilization | $4,352 |
Underpinning | $1,232 |
Waterproofing | $2,792 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Cleveland
How much does foundation repair cost in Cleveland?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing drains and sump pumps or using sealants around a crawlspace. Outdoor waterproofing is usually less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and forming physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
How long does foundation repair usually take?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews use heavy equipment, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or tremors. 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)