Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Dunedin
A few typical reasons why Dunedin homeowners suffer from foundation woes include:
- Aging plumbing: The average Dunedin home construction year is 1979. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Dunedin receives, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is vital to its stability, so it's important to work with a reliable foundation repair company. Assess each provider using the following factors:
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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the details its representatives share. Ask about its inspection processes, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will mention how long it's been in the industry. It might also upload blog posts to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB reviews also show how companies resolve complaints. A proactive team that aims to achieve positive outcomes is a good one. Avoid a business if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Dunedin
The cost of foundation repair can range quite widely based on the extent of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the normal cost will be around $2,300. More intricate jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $6,700. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
| Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crack Repair | $290 |
| Leak Repair | $2,237 |
| Stabilization | $3,805 |
| Underpinning | $1,117 |
| Waterproofing | $2,461 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Dunedin
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Dunedin?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Dunedin 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)
