Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Sarasota
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the top ones for Sarasota residents:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Sarasota gets, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Aging plumbing: While many Sarasota homes are fairly new, some still use 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 cracks, and may apply force that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's integrity depends greatly on its foundation. It's crucial to choose the most qualified crew possible. Focus your research on these qualities:
Licensing and Experience
Florida's contractor licensing system is rather unique. The state's Department of Business and Professional Regulation issues "certified" contractor licenses in building, general contracting, and residential construction that foundation companies must earn. There are also "registered" licenses issued at a local level. 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.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Typically, a company will show how long it's been operating. It might also publish articles to assist interested parties.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has resolved issues appropriately and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with numerous negative reviews, no credentials, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Sarasota
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the normal cost lands at about $2,500. More involved projects requiring excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,700+. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $303 |
Leak Repair | $2,363 |
Stabilization | $4,038 |
Underpinning | $1,166 |
Waterproofing | $2,602 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Sarasota
How much does foundation repair cost in Sarasota?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
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Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Sarasota foundation repair services?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)