Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Altadena
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for Altadena residents:
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Aging plumbing: Altadena has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1958. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that results in your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation provider doesn't have to be challenging. We encourage you to list what you desire most in a company, then evaluate each company on your shortlist against these attributes.
Licensing and Experience
The Golden State issues many different kinds of contracting licenses, and foundation companies often have more than one. You can verify a company's licensing information through the Contractors State License Board, a division of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Look for a company with a General Building Contractor, General Engineering Contractor, C-8 Concrete, or C-61 Pile Driving credential. 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 business will display how long it's been in business. It might also publish blog posts to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
We suggest reviewing the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have shared satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB comments also show how companies address complaints. A responsive team that strives for positive outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a company if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Altadena
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially based on the scale of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the average cost is about $2,700. More complex projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800+. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $325 |
Leak Repair | $2,572 |
Stabilization | $4,426 |
Underpinning | $1,248 |
Waterproofing | $2,837 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Foundation Repair Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Altadena
How much does foundation repair cost in Altadena?
How long does foundation repair usually take?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Altadena foundation repair services?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on 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)