Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Austin
Some frequent reasons why Austin homeowners suffer from foundation troubles include:
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
- Aging plumbing: While many Austin 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.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation fracturing, 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
In Texas, local governments can choose to require contractor's licenses. Even some major cities do not require licensure to alter or repair foundations. We recommend contacting your local officials to learn more about contractor and building standards. 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.
One of the easiest ways to assess a company's reputation is to find its website. Look for the company's history and the accreditations its team holds. Many well-known companies provide educational content for future customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. The BBB shows how companies resolve complaints. A proactive team that strives for amicable outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a company if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Austin
The price of your foundation repair project can range widely based on the severity of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is significant damage, the typical cost is about $3,900. More complex projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,200+. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
| Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crack Repair | $439 |
| Leak Repair | $3,675 |
| Stabilization | $6,470 |
| Underpinning | $1,678 |
| Waterproofing | $4,074 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Austin
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Austin?
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
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.
- Irrigate 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, promoting water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for signs of damage, 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)