Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Missouri City
A home in Missouri City might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Missouri City experiences, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Aging plumbing: While many Missouri City 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.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation company doesn't have to be difficult. We encourage you to jot down what you want most in a company, then evaluate each provider on your shortlist against these characteristics.
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 representatives to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, building codes and permit ordinances.
Another way to determine a company's credibility is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade qualifications. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Complaints don'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 favorably and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with numerous negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Missouri City
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the average cost will likely fall around $3,100. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $363 |
Leak Repair | $2,941 |
Stabilization | $5,110 |
Underpinning | $1,392 |
Waterproofing | $3,251 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Missouri City
How much does foundation repair cost in Missouri City?
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. Outdoor waterproofing is generally less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and creating physical barriers between your foundation and yard.
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews operate heavy 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)