Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Milwaukee
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for Milwaukee residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Aging plumbing: The average Milwaukee home construction year is 1967. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is essential to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a trustworthy foundation repair contractor. Evaluate each provider using the following criteria:
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 team members to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, inspection processes and building codes.
Another way to evaluate a company's standing is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade qualifications. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
We suggest checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company responds to 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 effectively, you should avoid working with it.
Lastly, we suggest you search additional sites, like Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in Milwaukee
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,800. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800 or more. 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 Milwaukee
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Milwaukee?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
What's the most popular foundation type in Milwaukee?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Hairline cracks
- Mold and mildew
- Plumbing leaks
- Flooding
- Uneven floors
- Discoloration or odors
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)