Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Ames, IA

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Ames

A home in Ames might experience foundation issues for multiple reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:

• Aging plumbing: The average Ames home construction year is 1978. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water 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.
• Standing water: Standing water around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
• Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be challenging. We encourage you to jot down what you desire most in a provider, then evaluate each contractor on your list against these characteristics.

Licensing and Experience

If an Iowa foundation company makes more than $2,000 per year, it must register with the state's Division of Labor. Registration doesn't require exams or continuing education. All it proves is that a company holds insurance and pays state taxes. However, cities in the Hawkeye State might still require licenses or practical training for foundation companies. Talk to staff to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, building codes and inspection processes.

Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Usually, a company will mention how long it's been operating. It might also upload other content to help prospective customers.

Customer Reviews

Before selecting a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. 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 more negative reviews, and doesn't communicate properly, you should avoid working with it.

Lastly, we encourage you to search different websites, like Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.

Foundation Repair Cost in Ames

The price of your foundation repair project can differ quite significantly based on the extent of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the normal cost lands at about $2,600. More complex projects requiring excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800+. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.