Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Penfield
Foundation issues have a few possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for Penfield residents:
- Aging plumbing: The average Penfield home construction year is 1972. 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.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair business, 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. Talk to team members to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, building codes and inspection processes.
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 insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, check out its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Complaints don't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has resolved issues favorably and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with numerous negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Penfield
The cost of foundation repair can range quite widely based on the scale of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the average cost will be around $3,200. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $7,000. 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 Penfield
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)