Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Olympia
A few typical reasons why Olympia homeowners suffer from foundation troubles include:
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Aging plumbing: While many Olympia homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Olympia gets, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is crucial to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a trustworthy foundation repair firm. Assess each firm using the following factors:
Licensing and Experience
Washington foundation repair companies can be either general or specialty contractors. Look for companies with a concrete certification, showing that they follow best practices in the foundation field. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how its team will draft plans and pull permits, what local codes apply to your project, and how the company inspects foundations.
Another way to gauge a company's standing is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade credentials. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
Before committing to a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. 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, has an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate effectively, you should avoid working with it.
Lastly, we suggest you search other platforms, including Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Olympia
The price of foundation repair can range widely based on the scale of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the normal cost is about $2,600. More involved projects requiring excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800+. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $318 |
Leak Repair | $2,500 |
Stabilization | $4,293 |
Underpinning | $1,220 |
Waterproofing | $2,756 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Foundation Repair Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Olympia
How much does foundation repair cost in Olympia?
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Water 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.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for signs of damage, and repair 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)