Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Charlottesville, VA

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Charlottesville

A home in Charlottesville might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:

• Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Charlottesville experiences, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
• Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
• Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't cover.
• Aging plumbing: While many Charlottesville 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.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

When choosing a foundation contractor, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each contractor on your list about the following qualities.

Licensing and Experience

The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation issues licenses to foundation repair companies. The license a company has determines what work it can do and what size projects it can handle. 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.

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

Customer Reviews

When you're researching a company's reputation, check out 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 negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB comments also show how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that works toward excellent outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a contractor if you don't see clear communication about problems.

Foundation Repair Cost in Charlottesville

The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost will likely fall around $3,000. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900 or more. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.