Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Oak Creek
A few typical reasons why Oak Creek homeowners experience foundation troubles include:
- 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: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: While many Oak Creek homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity weighs heavily on its foundation. It's vital to choose the most qualified crew possible. Center your research on these attributes:
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 staff to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, permit ordinances and building codes.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Usually, a company will show how long it's been in the industry. It might also upload blog posts to help potential clients.
Customer Reviews
Before committing to a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Complaints don't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has fixed issues appropriately and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with more negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Oak Creek
The price of foundation repair can range widely based on the severity of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant damage, the typical cost falls at about $2,800. More involved projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800+. This table shows 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 Oak Creek
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Oak Creek?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a basement. Exterior waterproofing is typically less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and creating physical barriers between your foundation and yard.
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
That said, foundation repair crews use heavy equipment, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or vibrations. 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)
