Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Winston-Salem
A home in Winston-Salem might experience foundation issues for numerous reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Aging plumbing: The average Winston-Salem home construction year is 1980. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Winston-Salem receives, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation breaking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
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 quality foundation repair contractor. Assess each firm using the following criteria:
Licensing and Experience
According to the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors, foundation repair and concrete companies in the state must have either a Building Contractor license, a Residential Contractor license, or both. Talk to representatives to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, building codes and inspection processes.
Another way to evaluate a company's credibility is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade credentials. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
We suggest reviewing the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have reported satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company manages them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has more negative reviews, and doesn't communicate well, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we suggest you search other platforms, like Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in Winston-Salem
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is more significant deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $2,700. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $326 |
Leak Repair | $2,578 |
Stabilization | $4,437 |
Underpinning | $1,250 |
Waterproofing | $2,844 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Winston-Salem
How much does foundation repair cost in Winston-Salem?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
- Flooding
- Hairline cracks
- Uneven floors
- Mold and mildew
- Plumbing leaks
- Discoloration or odors
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
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)