Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Oak Creek
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most common ones for Oak Creek residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: While many Oak Creek homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that causes your foundation breaking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each company on your list about the following qualities.
Licensing and Experience
According to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, all foundation repair companies must have a Dwelling Contractor certification. To earn and keep a license, a contractor must take a 12-hour preapplication course and take continuing education every other year. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about what local codes apply to your project, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and how the company inspects foundations.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Usually, a company will discuss how long it's been in the industry. It might also publish other content to help potential clients.
Customer Reviews
We suggest examining the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have shared satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has settled issues proactively and appropriately. You should avoid a company with numerous negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Oak Creek
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $2,800. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,800 or more. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $332 |
Leak Repair | $2,634 |
Stabilization | $4,541 |
Underpinning | $1,272 |
Waterproofing | $2,906 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Oak Creek
How much does foundation repair cost in Oak Creek?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing drains and sump pumps or using sealants around a crawlspace. Exterior waterproofing is typically less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and forming physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
That said, foundation repair crews use heavy machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or tremors. 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)