Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Kansas City
A home in Kansas City might experience foundation issues for multiple reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't cover.
- Aging plumbing: The average Kansas City home construction year is 1974. 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 done properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair business, you should think about what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you navigate the process.
Licensing and Experience
Missouri doesn't issue contractor licenses, but foundation repair companies must still register with the Secretary of State. Local governments often have their own licensing requirements for contractors. 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.
One of the simplest ways to assess a company's reputation is to browse its website. Look for how long the company has operated and the accreditations its team holds. Many well-known companies publish educational content for future customers.
Customer Reviews
We suggest looking into the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a high customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have reported 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 favorably and proactively. You should avoid a company with numerous negative reviews, no credentials, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Kansas City
The price of your foundation repair project can vary substantially based on the scale of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the normal cost is about $2,300. More intricate projects requiring excavating, 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 | $282 |
Leak Repair | $2,153 |
Stabilization | $3,650 |
Underpinning | $1,084 |
Waterproofing | $2,367 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Kansas City
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Kansas City?
How long does foundation repair usually take?
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.
- Water 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 reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for signs of damage, and repair any issues immediately.
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)