Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Spanaway
A home in Spanaway might experience foundation issues for numerous reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Spanaway experiences, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Aging plumbing: While many Spanaway 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.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that results in your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
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
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 more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, permit ordinances and inspection processes.
One of the best ways to assess a company's reputation is to find its website. Look for how long the company has operated and the qualifications its team holds. Many well-known companies provide educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
We advise reviewing the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB comments also show how companies resolve complaints. A proactive team that strives for positive outcomes is a good one. Avoid a business if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Spanaway
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the degree of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost is about $2,900. More intricate projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,800. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $340 |
Leak Repair | $2,720 |
Stabilization | $4,700 |
Underpinning | $1,305 |
Waterproofing | $3,002 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Spanaway
How much does foundation repair cost in Spanaway?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure 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 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.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for cracks, and fix any issues promptly.
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)