Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Severn
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. These are the most common ones for Severn residents:
- Aging plumbing: While many Severn homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Severn experiences, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that results in your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation repair company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each company on your list about the following 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 how its team will draft plans and pull permits, how the company inspects foundations, and what local codes apply to your project.
Another way to determine a company's standing is to check its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade credentials. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
We recommend checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out 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. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has resolved issues proactively and favorably. You should stay away from a company with more negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Severn
The cost of foundation repair can vary substantially based on the scale of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable destruction, the normal cost will be around $2,900. More intricate jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,900. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $346 |
Leak Repair | $2,775 |
Stabilization | $4,803 |
Underpinning | $1,327 |
Waterproofing | $3,065 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Severn
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Severn?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Plumbing leaks
- Hairline cracks
- Flooding
- Mold and mildew
- Uneven floors
- Discoloration or odors
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Severn foundation repair services?
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)