Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Columbia
A few frequent reasons why Columbia homeowners suffer from foundation troubles include:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: While many Columbia homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, 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, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Columbia gets, 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 cracks, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how the company inspects foundations, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and what local codes apply to your project.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Usually, a company will discuss how long it's been operating. It might also publish articles to help potential clients.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Complaints don't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has fixed issues appropriately and proactively. You should avoid a company with more negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Columbia
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the scale of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost falls at about $3,700. More involved projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,100. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
| Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crack Repair | $425 |
| Leak Repair | $3,535 |
| Stabilization | $6,212 |
| Underpinning | $1,624 |
| Waterproofing | $3,918 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Columbia
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Columbia?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
- Plumbing leaks
- Hairline cracks
- Flooding
- Discoloration or odors
- Uneven floors
- Mold and mildew
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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)
