Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Arden-Arcade
A home in Arden-Arcade might experience foundation issues for numerous reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:
- Drought conditions: Arden-Arcade is susceptible to drought. The absence of rainfall and fluctuating humidity levels each season lead to ever-shifting soil. The resulting soil settlement can move and break your foundation.
- Aging plumbing: The average Arden-Arcade home construction year is 1967. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed 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 cover.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that causes your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is essential to its stability, so it's important to work with a top-notch foundation repair firm. Assess each firm using the following factors:
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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how the company inspects foundations, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and what local codes apply to your project.
One of the simplest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to find its website. Look for the company's history and what credentials its team holds. Many well-known companies provide educational content for future customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. 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, shows more negative reviews than positive ones, and doesn't communicate effectively, you should avoid working with it.
Finally, we encourage you to search additional sites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in Arden-Arcade
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the severity of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the average cost is about $3,300. More complex projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,000+. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $384 |
Leak Repair | $3,142 |
Stabilization | $5,483 |
Underpinning | $1,470 |
Waterproofing | $3,477 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Arden-Arcade
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Arden-Arcade?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing drains and sump pumps or using sealants around a crawlspace. Exterior waterproofing is usually less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and forming physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
Do Arden-Arcade foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)