Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Richfield
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for Richfield residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: Richfield has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1958. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation company doesn't have to be complicated. We encourage you to jot down what you want 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 how its team will draft plans and pull permits, what local codes apply to your project, and how the company inspects foundations.
One of the simplest ways to assess a company's reputation is to explore its website. Look for the company's years in business and the qualifications its team holds. Many leading companies offer educational content for future customers.
Customer Reviews
We advise examining the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have expressed 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 manages them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, shows more negative reviews than positive ones, and doesn't communicate properly, you should avoid working with it.
Lastly, we encourage you to search additional sites, like Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Richfield
The price of your foundation repair project can range widely depending 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 substantial deterioration, the average cost lands at about $3,100. More involved projects requiring digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900+. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $360 |
Leak Repair | $2,913 |
Stabilization | $5,058 |
Underpinning | $1,381 |
Waterproofing | $3,220 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Richfield
How much does foundation repair cost in Richfield?
What's the most popular foundation type in Richfield?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a basement. Exterior waterproofing is typically less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and creating physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Richfield foundation repair services?
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)