Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Flint
Some frequent reasons why Flint homeowners encounter foundation woes include:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Aging plumbing: Flint has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1965. Many of these properties 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 create stress that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To select a foundation repair business, you should think about what's most important to you. Use this list of factors to help you go through the process.
Licensing and Experience
Michigan foundation repair companies need a Residential Builder license, a Residential Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license, or both. The state's Licensing and Regulatory Affairs department oversees new applications. It also administrates continuing education required of all contractors. Talk to team members to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, building codes and permit ordinances.
One of the most effective ways to assess a company's reputation is to visit its website. Look for the company's years in business and the accreditations its team holds. Many leading companies provide educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
Before selecting a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB reviews also show how companies handle complaints. A proactive team that strives for amicable outcomes is a good one. Avoid a business if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Flint
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly 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 considerable damage, the normal cost lands at about $3,000. More involved projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,900. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $349 |
Leak Repair | $2,805 |
Stabilization | $4,859 |
Underpinning | $1,339 |
Waterproofing | $3,099 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Foundation Repair Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Flint
How much does foundation repair cost in Flint?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing drains and sump pumps or using sealants around a cellar. Outdoor waterproofing is usually less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and creating physical barriers between your foundation and yard.
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
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 avoid water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for signs of damage, and repair any issues promptly.
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)