Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Duluth, MN

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Duluth

Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the top ones for Duluth residents:

• Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed properly could result in your foundation settling.
• Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly 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, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't protect.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

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

Licensing and Experience

Minnesota foundation repair companies need both a residential building contractor and residential remodeler license from the Department of Labor and Industry. The former license lets a company work on new construction, while the latter allows it to modify and repair existing foundations. Business owners need to take 14 hours of continuing education to renew a license. If a contractor makes less than $15,000 from foundation work, they can apply for a Certificate of Exemption and do not need a license. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about what local codes apply to your project, how the company inspects foundations, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.

Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a business will display how long it's been in the industry. It might also share articles to help interested parties.

Customer Reviews

When you're researching a company's reputation, go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its 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 addressed complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has fixed issues proactively and appropriately. You should stay away from a company with numerous negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.

Foundation Repair Cost in Duluth

The price of your foundation repair project can differ quite significantly based on the severity 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 significant damage, the typical cost is about $3,000. More complex projects requiring digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900+. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.