Common Causes of Foundation Problems in San Marcos
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. These are the most common ones for San Marcos residents:
- Aging plumbing: While many San Marcos 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.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that causes your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is vital to its stability, so it's important to work with a trustworthy foundation repair contractor. Assess each firm 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 permit ordinances, inspection processes and building codes.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a company will mention how long it's been in business. It might also publish blog posts to help prospective customers.
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. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. The BBB shows how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that strives for excellent outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a contractor if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in San Marcos
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the degree of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the average cost lands at about $2,000. More involved projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,600. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
| Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crack Repair | $260 |
| Leak Repair | $1,942 |
| Stabilization | $3,258 |
| Underpinning | $1,002 |
| Waterproofing | $2,130 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in San Marcos
How much does foundation repair cost in San Marcos?
What's the most popular foundation type in San Marcos?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition 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 angle away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for signs of damage, and repair any issues immediately.
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
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)
