Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Alameda
Some common reasons why Alameda homeowners deal with foundation problems include:
- Aging plumbing: Alameda has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1964. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter 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
Your home's foundation is crucial to its stability, so it's important to work with a reliable foundation repair company. Assess each firm using the following criteria:
Licensing and Experience
The Golden State issues many different kinds of contracting licenses, and foundation companies often have more than one. You can verify a company's licensing information through the Contractors State License Board, a division of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Look for a company with a General Building Contractor, General Engineering Contractor, C-8 Concrete, or C-61 Pile Driving credential. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through what its representatives say. Inquire about its inspection processes, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to evaluate a company's reputation 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 choosing a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a good sign if the company has settled issues appropriately and proactively. You should avoid a company with many negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Alameda
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable damage, the average cost will likely fall around $3,400. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,000 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
| Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crack Repair | $395 |
| Leak Repair | $3,250 |
| Stabilization | $5,683 |
| Underpinning | $1,512 |
| Waterproofing | $3,598 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Alameda
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Alameda?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a cellar. Outdoor waterproofing is generally less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and creating physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
How long does foundation repair usually take?
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
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)
