Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Sierra Vista
A home in Sierra Vista might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Drought conditions: Sierra Vista is susceptible to drought. The shortage of rainfall and varying humidity levels each season contribute to ever-shifting soil. The resulting soil settlement can displace and damage your foundation.
- Aging plumbing: While many Sierra Vista 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 encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.
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 quality foundation repair company. Evaluate each contractor using the following criteria:
Licensing and Experience
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors licenses residential contractors separately from commercial ones. Ensure your foundation company has a residential general contractor or concrete specialty license. Some larger companies might hold "dual" licenses, meaning they can perform both home and business jobs. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Inquire about its inspection processes, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will mention how long it's been operating. It might also upload other content to help potential clients.
Customer Reviews
We recommend looking into the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can check 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 responds to them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate well, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we suggest you search other platforms, including Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in Sierra Vista
Foundation repair costs can range quite widely based on the extent of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the typical cost will be around $3,000. More intricate jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $6,900. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $351 |
Leak Repair | $2,819 |
Stabilization | $4,885 |
Underpinning | $1,344 |
Waterproofing | $3,114 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Sierra Vista
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Sierra Vista?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for signs of damage, and fix any issues promptly.
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 heavy 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)