Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Waukesha
Some typical reasons why Waukesha homeowners suffer from foundation problems include:
- 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: While many Waukesha homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't protect.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair company, you should determine what's most important to you. Use this list of criteria to help you navigate the process.
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 how the company inspects foundations, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and what local codes apply to your project.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Usually, a foundation company will show how long it's been in the industry. It might also upload articles to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, visit its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB comments also show how companies resolve complaints. A responsive team that aims to achieve positive outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a contractor if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Waukesha
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 $1,900. However, if there is more significant damage, the average cost will likely fall around $3,300. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,000 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $381 |
Leak Repair | $3,110 |
Stabilization | $5,424 |
Underpinning | $1,458 |
Waterproofing | $3,441 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Waukesha
How much does foundation repair cost in Waukesha?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Mold and mildew
- Flooding
- Discoloration or odors
- Plumbing leaks
- Uneven floors
- Hairline cracks
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)