Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Harlingen
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for Harlingen residents:
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: While many Harlingen 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.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that causes your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is essential to its stability, so it's important to work with a top-notch foundation repair contractor. Evaluate each contractor using the following criteria:
Licensing and Experience
In Texas, local governments can choose to require contractor's licenses. Even some major cities do not require licensure to alter or repair foundations. We recommend contacting your local officials to learn more about contractor and building standards. Talk to staff 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 display how long it's been in the industry. It might also upload articles to help potential clients.
Customer Reviews
Before selecting a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB reviews also show how companies resolve complaints. A proactive team that aims to achieve amicable outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a contractor if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Harlingen
Foundation repair costs can differ significantly based on the extent of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the typical cost will be around $3,000. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $6,900. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
| Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crack Repair | $351 |
| Leak Repair | $2,817 |
| Stabilization | $4,881 |
| Underpinning | $1,343 |
| Waterproofing | $3,112 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Harlingen
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Harlingen?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for cracks, and repair any issues immediately.
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)
