Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Indianapolis
Foundation issues have some possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for Indianapolis residents:
- Aging plumbing: The average Indianapolis home construction year is 1978. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Indianapolis experiences, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's stability weighs heavily on its foundation. It's vital to select the best team possible. Center your research on these features:
Licensing and Experience
Indiana foundation repair companies don't need a state license to operate. However, local governments can and often do establish their own requirements, exams, and codes. Before you begin your company search, it's best to contact your city hall and learn about what's required. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how the company inspects foundations, what local codes apply to your project, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will show how long it's been in the industry. It might also upload articles to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has resolved issues appropriately and proactively. You should stay away from a company with numerous negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Indianapolis
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the degree of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the average cost falls at about $2,600. More complex projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,800. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $318 |
Leak Repair | $2,504 |
Stabilization | $4,301 |
Underpinning | $1,221 |
Waterproofing | $2,761 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Indianapolis
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Indianapolis?
What are the different types of foundations in Indianapolis?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Indianapolis foundation repair services?
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 prevent water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for signs of damage, and fix any issues immediately.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)