Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Lake Stevens
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most common ones for Lake Stevens residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Lake Stevens experiences, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't cover.
- Aging plumbing: While many Lake Stevens homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that results in your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To pick a foundation repair contractor, you should consider what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you navigate the process.
Licensing and Experience
Washington foundation repair companies can be either general or specialty contractors. Look for companies with a concrete certification, showing that they follow best practices in the foundation field. Talk to team members to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, inspection processes and building codes.
Another way to gauge a company's standing is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade credentials. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, check out its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a good sign if the company has settled issues proactively and appropriately. You should steer clear of a company with numerous negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Lake Stevens
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the normal cost falls at about $3,000. More intricate projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,900. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $356 |
Leak Repair | $2,867 |
Stabilization | $4,973 |
Underpinning | $1,363 |
Waterproofing | $3,168 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Lake Stevens
How much does foundation repair cost in Lake Stevens?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
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.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation consistently, 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.
- Inspect your foundation for cracks, and repair any issues promptly.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)