Common Causes of Foundation Problems in University Place
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. Here are the most prevalent ones for University Place residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall University Place receives, 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.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average University Place home construction year is 1977. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation contractor, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each provider 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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how the company inspects foundations, what local codes apply to your project, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Usually, a business will show how long it's been in the industry. It might also publish blog posts to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
Before selecting a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Complaints don't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has fixed issues proactively and appropriately. You should avoid a company with many negative reviews, no credentials, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in University Place
Foundation repair costs can range quite widely based on the scale of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is quite substantial damage, the normal cost will be around $2,900. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $6,800. Below are 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 University Place
What will I pay to repair my foundation in University Place?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
- Plumbing leaks
- Discoloration or odors
- Uneven floors
- Hairline cracks
- Mold and mildew
- Flooding
How long does foundation repair usually take?
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)