Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Cedar Rapids
A home in Cedar Rapids might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Aging plumbing: While many Cedar Rapids homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that causes 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 complicated. We encourage you to write down what you expect most in a company, then evaluate each contractor on your shortlist 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. 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 some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will show how long it's been in the industry. It might also share blog posts to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
We suggest reviewing the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a high 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. Instead, discover how a company responds to 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 well, you should avoid working with it.
Finally, we encourage you to search other platforms, like Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Cedar Rapids
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the average cost falls at about $2,700. More intricate projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,800. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $325 |
Leak Repair | $2,566 |
Stabilization | $4,415 |
Underpinning | $1,245 |
Waterproofing | $2,830 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Cedar Rapids
How much does foundation repair cost in Cedar Rapids?
What's the most popular foundation type in Cedar Rapids?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Cedar Rapids foundation repair services?
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
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)