Common Causes of Foundation Problems in South Miami Heights
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. Here are the most common ones for South Miami Heights residents:
- Aging plumbing: While many South Miami Heights homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't cover.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall South Miami Heights gets, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that causes your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation company doesn't have to be complicated. We encourage you to jot down what you desire most in a provider, then evaluate each company on your selection against these characteristics.
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 methods, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Usually, a company will mention how long it's been in business. It might also share articles to assist interested parties.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company manages them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate effectively, you should avoid working with it.
Finally, we encourage you to search other platforms, including Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in South Miami Heights
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the extent of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the typical cost lands at about $2,500. More complex projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,700. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $309 |
Leak Repair | $2,415 |
Stabilization | $4,134 |
Underpinning | $1,186 |
Waterproofing | $2,660 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in South Miami Heights
How much does foundation repair cost in South Miami Heights?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
Do South Miami Heights foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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)