Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Salt Lake City
A home in Salt Lake City might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Aging plumbing: The average Salt Lake City home construction year is 1974. 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.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation repair company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each company on your list about the following qualities.
Licensing and Experience
Depending on their service offerings, Utah foundation repair companies can be general or specialty contractors. The state Department of Commerce offers a "S310" classification that covers foundation and excavation work. Licensure requires a trade exam and financial audit. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the details its representatives share. Inquire about its inspection processes, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to gauge a company's reputation is to look at its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade qualifications. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
We recommend checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Negative feedback doesn'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 proactively and favorably. You should stay away from a company with more negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Salt Lake City
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly based on the extent of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the normal cost will be around $2,800. More intricate jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,800. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $335 |
Leak Repair | $2,666 |
Stabilization | $4,600 |
Underpinning | $1,284 |
Waterproofing | $2,942 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Salt Lake City
How much does foundation repair cost in Salt Lake City?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
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. Exterior waterproofing is generally less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and establishing physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
Do Salt Lake City foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
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)