Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Oshkosh
Foundation issues have a few possible causes. Here are the top ones for Oshkosh residents:
- Aging plumbing: The average Oshkosh home construction year is 1972. 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.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is essential to its stability, so it's important to work with a top-notch foundation repair provider. Assess each firm using the following criteria:
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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through what its representatives say. Ask about its inspection processes, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
One of the simplest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to find its website. Look for the company's years in business and the accreditations its team holds. Many prominent companies publish educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
We recommend checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a high customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has fixed issues appropriately and proactively. You should stay away from a company with numerous negative reviews, no credentials, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Oshkosh
The cost of foundation repair can range quite widely based on the extent of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is quite substantial destruction, the normal cost will be around $3,200. More intricate jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $7,000. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $376 |
Leak Repair | $3,061 |
Stabilization | $5,332 |
Underpinning | $1,438 |
Waterproofing | $3,385 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Oshkosh
How much does foundation repair cost in Oshkosh?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Hairline cracks
- Flooding
- Mold and mildew
- Uneven floors
- Discoloration or odors
- Plumbing leaks
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Irrigate 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.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and repair any issues promptly.
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)