Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Spokane
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the top ones for Spokane residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Aging plumbing: The average Spokane home construction year is 1974. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that results in your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's stability relies on its foundation. It's essential to choose the best team possible. Focus your research on these features:
Licensing and Experience
Washington foundation repair companies can be either general or specialty contractors. Look for companies with a concrete certification, showing that they follow best practices in the foundation field. Talk to staff to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, permit ordinances and building codes.
One of the easiest ways to assess a company's reputation is to browse its website. Look for the company's years in business and the accreditations its team holds. Many leading companies publish educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has fixed issues proactively and appropriately. You should steer clear of a company with numerous negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Spokane
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly based on the severity of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the typical cost lands at about $2,200. More intricate projects requiring digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,600+. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $279 |
Leak Repair | $2,125 |
Stabilization | $3,598 |
Underpinning | $1,073 |
Waterproofing | $2,336 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Spokane
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Spokane?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Hairline cracks
- Flooding
- Uneven floors
- Plumbing leaks
- Mold and mildew
- Discoloration or odors
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.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation consistently, 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 minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and repair any issues immediately.
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews use heavy equipment, 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.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)