Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Potomac
Some common reasons why Potomac homeowners encounter foundation problems include:
- Aging plumbing: The average Potomac home construction year is 1971. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't protect.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be complicated. We encourage you to write down what you expect most in a company, then evaluate each company on your shortlist against these qualities.
Licensing and Experience
In Maryland, the state Department of Labor licenses all foundation repair companies. There are strict requirements to get and keep a license. Business owners must have two years of industry experience, pass a trade exam, submit business filings and proof of insurance, and clear a financial audit. Subcontractors working your foundation job don't need a license if they're working for a licensed contractor. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about what local codes apply to your project, how the company inspects foundations, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
Another way to gauge a company's credibility is to examine 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
Before selecting a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company responds to them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has more negative reviews, and doesn't communicate properly, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we encourage you to search different websites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Potomac
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the normal cost falls at about $2,700. More intricate projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,800. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $327 |
Leak Repair | $2,588 |
Stabilization | $4,456 |
Underpinning | $1,254 |
Waterproofing | $2,855 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Potomac
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Potomac?
What are the different types of foundations in Potomac?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Uneven floors
- Discoloration or odors
- Flooding
- Hairline cracks
- Mold and mildew
- Plumbing leaks
How long does foundation repair usually take?
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)