Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Saginaw
A home in Saginaw might experience foundation issues for a variety of reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done properly could lead to 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.
- Aging plumbing: Saginaw has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1966. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is vital to its stability, so it's important to work with a top-notch foundation repair provider. Evaluate each contractor using the following factors:
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. 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.
Another way to determine a company's reputation is to look at its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade qualifications. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing 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 unqualified. BBB comments also show how companies resolve complaints. A proactive team that aims to achieve positive outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a company if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Saginaw
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 damage, the average cost lands at about $2,800. More intricate projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800+. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $338 |
Leak Repair | $2,696 |
Stabilization | $4,655 |
Underpinning | $1,296 |
Waterproofing | $2,976 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Saginaw
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Saginaw?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
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 typically less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and creating physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
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)