Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Bossier City
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. These are the most common ones for Bossier City residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Bossier City 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 keep dry.
- Aging plumbing: The average Bossier City home construction year is 1978. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be difficult. We encourage you to write down what you want most in a contractor, then evaluate each provider on your shortlist against these characteristics.
Licensing and Experience
While Louisiana issues state contracting licenses, they're not required for every foundation repair job. To perform work between $7,500 and $75,000 in value, a contractor must apply for a Home Improvement license. More expensive jobs require a Residential license. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the details its representatives share. Ask about its inspection processes, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to assess a company's reputation is to look at its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade accreditations. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, visit its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has settled issues proactively and favorably. You should steer clear of a company with more negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Bossier City
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,500. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,700 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $308 |
Leak Repair | $2,403 |
Stabilization | $4,112 |
Underpinning | $1,181 |
Waterproofing | $2,647 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Bossier City
How much does foundation repair cost in Bossier City?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Bossier City foundation repair services?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for signs of damage, and address any issues immediately.
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)