Common Causes of Foundation Problems in La Crosse
A home in La Crosse might experience foundation issues for numerous reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Aging plumbing: The average La Crosse home construction year is 1973. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that results in your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is crucial to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a quality foundation repair contractor. Evaluate each company using the following factors:
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. Talk to representatives to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, building codes and inspection processes.
One of the most effective ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to browse its website. Look for the company's history and what credentials 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 see whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have reported satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company handles them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, shows more negative reviews than positive ones, and doesn't communicate well, you should avoid working with it.
Lastly, we encourage you to search other platforms, including Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in La Crosse
Foundation repair costs can differ significantly based on the extent of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable destruction, the average cost will be around $2,800. More intricate jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $6,800. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $332 |
Leak Repair | $2,634 |
Stabilization | $4,541 |
Underpinning | $1,272 |
Waterproofing | $2,906 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in La Crosse
How much does foundation repair cost in La Crosse?
How long does foundation repair usually take?
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews operate industrial machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or tremors. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
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)