Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Kingsport
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for Kingsport residents:
- Aging plumbing: The average Kingsport home construction year is 1977. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation company doesn't have to be challenging. We encourage you to list what you want most in a provider, then evaluate each contractor on your shortlist against these characteristics.
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. Ask about its inspection methods, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Usually, a business will display how long it's been in the industry. It might also share other content to assist prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
Before committing to a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company manages them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has more negative reviews, and doesn't communicate effectively, you should think twice about working with it.
Finally, we recommend you search different websites, including Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Kingsport
The price of your foundation repair project can range widely based on the extent of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant damage, 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 | $328 |
Leak Repair | $2,596 |
Stabilization | $4,471 |
Underpinning | $1,257 |
Waterproofing | $2,864 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Kingsport
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Kingsport?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for cracks, and fix any issues immediately.
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
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)