Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Philadelphia, PA

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Philadelphia

A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. These are the most widespread ones for Philadelphia residents:

• Aging plumbing: Philadelphia has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1963. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
• Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Philadelphia receives, 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 keep dry.
• Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

To select a foundation repair company, you should consider what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you navigate the process.

Licensing and Experience

According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General, foundation contractors must register with the commonwealth if they make between $5,000 and $50 million in annual revenue. Registration doesn't involve exams, but it does show a contractor meets bond, insurance, and background check requirements. Talk to staff to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, permit ordinances and inspection processes.

Another way to measure a company's standing is to check its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade qualifications. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.

Customer Reviews

When you're researching a company's standing, head to 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. Complaints don't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has resolved issues proactively and favorably. You should avoid a company with numerous negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.

Foundation Repair Cost in Philadelphia

The cost of foundation repair can vary substantially based on the extent of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is quite substantial deterioration, the typical cost will be around $3,600. More involved jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $7,100. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.