Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Berkeley, CA

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Berkeley

A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. These are the most prevalent ones for Berkeley residents:

• Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done properly could lead to your foundation settling.
• Aging plumbing: Berkeley has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1960. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
• Standing water: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be complicated. We encourage you to list what you expect most in a contractor, then evaluate each company on your selection against these qualities.

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 the details its representatives share. Ask about its inspection methods, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.

Another way to determine a company's standing is to examine 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 rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has settled issues proactively and appropriately. You should avoid a company with numerous negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.

Foundation Repair Cost in Berkeley

Foundation repair costs can vary substantially based on the degree of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is quite substantial deterioration, the normal cost will be around $3,400. More involved jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $7,000. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.