Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Mechanicsville
A home in Mechanicsville might experience foundation issues for a variety of reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Mechanicsville 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 stay dry.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: While many Mechanicsville homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that results in your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity weighs heavily on its foundation. It's essential to choose the top professionals possible. Focus your research on these characteristics:
Licensing and Experience
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation issues licenses to foundation repair companies. The license a company has determines what work it can do and what size projects it can handle. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through what its representatives say. Ask about its inspection methods, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
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 accreditations. It might also share insights and knowledge 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 don't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has resolved issues appropriately and proactively. You should stay away from a company with more negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Mechanicsville
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost will likely fall around $3,000. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900 or more. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
| Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crack Repair | $358 |
| Leak Repair | $2,889 |
| Stabilization | $5,014 |
| Underpinning | $1,371 |
| Waterproofing | $3,193 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Mechanicsville
How much does foundation repair cost in Mechanicsville?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews operate industrial machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or tremors. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
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)
