Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Long Beach
A home in Long Beach might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: Long Beach has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1961. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each provider on your list about the following qualities.
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. Talk to team members to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, inspection processes and permit ordinances.
One of the best ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to browse its website. Look for the company's years in business and the qualifications its team holds. Many top companies offer educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, go 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 aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company responds to them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, shows more negative reviews than positive ones, and doesn't communicate well, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we recommend you search different websites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in Long Beach
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,700. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,800 or more. 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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Long Beach
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Long Beach?
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for signs of damage, and repair any issues immediately.
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)