Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Rochester
A few frequent reasons why Rochester homeowners face foundation issues include:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Aging plumbing: Rochester has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1962. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair company, you should determine what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you go through the process.
Licensing and Experience
New York's state government doesn't issue contracting licenses, but cities often choose to require them of foundation companies and other builders. For example, New York City requires foundation and excavating contractors to obtain a "Safety Registration Number" with a concrete work endorsement. They also need to register as a general contractor or home improvement contractor. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the details its representatives share. Inquire about its inspection methods, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to determine a company's credibility is to check 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
We advise looking into the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have reported satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company handles them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, shows more negative reviews than positive ones, and doesn't communicate properly, you should avoid working with it.
Lastly, we recommend you search other platforms, such as Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Rochester
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $3,200. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $7,000 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $370 |
Leak Repair | $3,009 |
Stabilization | $5,236 |
Underpinning | $1,418 |
Waterproofing | $3,327 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Rochester
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Rochester?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
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)