Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Lakeland
A home in Lakeland might experience foundation issues for multiple reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Lakeland receives, 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 keep dry.
- Aging plumbing: While many Lakeland homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each contractor on your list about the following 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 disclose how long it's been operating. It might also share articles to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, check out 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 comments also show how companies resolve complaints. A responsive team that aims to achieve excellent outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a contractor if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Lakeland
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the scale of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the normal cost is about $2,300. More involved projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,700. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $290 |
Leak Repair | $2,231 |
Stabilization | $3,794 |
Underpinning | $1,115 |
Waterproofing | $2,454 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Lakeland
How much does foundation repair cost in Lakeland?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
What are the different types of foundations in Lakeland?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Lakeland foundation repair services?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)