Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Brookfield
Foundation issues have some possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for Brookfield residents:
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't protect.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average Brookfield 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 intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each provider on your list about the following qualities.
Licensing and Experience
According to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, all foundation repair companies must have a Dwelling Contractor certification. To earn and keep a license, a contractor must take a 12-hour preapplication course and take continuing education every other year. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how its team will draft plans and pull permits, how the company inspects foundations, and what local codes apply to your project.
Another way to evaluate a company's credibility is to check its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade accreditations. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with a company, examine 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 addressed complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has settled issues appropriately and proactively. You should avoid a company with numerous negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Brookfield
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 cracking and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is significant damage, the typical cost falls at about $3,300. More involved projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,000. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $381 |
Leak Repair | $3,110 |
Stabilization | $5,424 |
Underpinning | $1,458 |
Waterproofing | $3,441 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Brookfield
How much does foundation repair cost in Brookfield?
What's the most popular foundation type in Brookfield?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a basement. Outdoor waterproofing is usually less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and creating physical barriers between your foundation and yard.
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure 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 evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for signs of damage, and address any issues promptly.
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)