Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Wauwatosa
A few common reasons why Wauwatosa homeowners deal with foundation problems include:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't cover.
- Aging plumbing: Wauwatosa has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1963. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To pick a foundation repair contractor, you should determine what's most important to you. Use this list of attributes to help you steer the process.
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, what local codes apply to your project, and how the company inspects foundations.
Another way to evaluate a company's reputation is to look at its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade accreditations. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has resolved issues appropriately and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with many negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Wauwatosa
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the degree of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the typical cost is about $2,800. More intricate projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,800. Below are 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 Wauwatosa
How much does foundation repair cost in Wauwatosa?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Wauwatosa foundation repair services?
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)