Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Vancouver
A home in Vancouver might experience foundation issues for numerous reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:
- Aging plumbing: While many Vancouver homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be a menace to your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Vancouver 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 keep dry.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation company doesn't have to be complicated. We encourage you to write down what you desire most in a company, then evaluate each company on your selection against these attributes.
Licensing and Experience
Washington foundation repair companies can be either general or specialty contractors. Look for companies with a concrete certification, showing that they follow best practices in the foundation field. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the details its representatives share. Inquire about its inspection methods, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will display how long it's been in business. It might also share articles to assist potential clients.
Customer Reviews
We suggest looking into the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine whether it's accredited and has a high customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have shared satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. The BBB shows how companies resolve complaints. A responsive team that strives for amicable outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a company if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Vancouver
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $2,400. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,700 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $292 |
Leak Repair | $2,255 |
Stabilization | $3,838 |
Underpinning | $1,124 |
Waterproofing | $2,481 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Vancouver
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Vancouver?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing drains and sump pumps or using sealants around a crawlspace. Exterior waterproofing is typically less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and forming physical barriers between your foundation and yard.
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
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)