Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Mount Vernon
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. These are the most widespread ones for Mount Vernon residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Mount Vernon gets, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is essential to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a trustworthy foundation repair provider. Evaluate each provider using the following criteria:
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. Talk to team members to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, inspection processes and building codes.
Another way to gauge a company's credibility is to look at 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 see whether it's accredited and has a high 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 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.
Finally, we recommend you search other platforms, such as Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in Mount Vernon
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is more significant damage, the average cost will likely fall around $3,500. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,100 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $399 |
Leak Repair | $3,288 |
Stabilization | $5,753 |
Underpinning | $1,527 |
Waterproofing | $3,640 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Mount Vernon
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Mount Vernon?
What are the different types of foundations in Mount Vernon?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
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 consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and address 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)