Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Kingsport
Some common reasons why Kingsport homeowners suffer from foundation problems include:
- Aging plumbing: The average Kingsport home construction year is 1977. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes being damaged, 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 expect most in a provider, then evaluate each contractor on your selection against these attributes.
Licensing and Experience
In Tennessee, foundation work has its own residential building contractor license classification. Any company that performs foundation work valued at over $25,000 must have a license, no matter whether it is a primary contractor or subcontractor. Talk to representatives to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, permit ordinances and inspection processes.
One of the best ways to assess a company's reputation is to find its website. Look for the company's history and the accreditations its team holds. Many well-known companies publish educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a good sign if the company has settled issues proactively and favorably. You should steer clear of a company with numerous negative reviews, no credentials, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Kingsport
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly based on the degree of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the average cost will be around $2,700. More intricate jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $6,800. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $328 |
Leak Repair | $2,596 |
Stabilization | $4,471 |
Underpinning | $1,257 |
Waterproofing | $2,864 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Kingsport
How much does foundation repair cost in Kingsport?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for cracks, and repair any issues immediately.
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews operate industrial machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or vibrations. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
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)