Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Downey
A home in Downey might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Aging plumbing: Downey has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1958. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage 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.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair contractor, you should think about what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you navigate the process.
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. Talk to representatives to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, permit ordinances and inspection processes.
One of the most effective ways to assess a company's reputation is to browse its website. Look for how long the company has operated and the qualifications its team holds. Many top companies publish educational content for future customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company manages them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate well, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we recommend you search other platforms, including Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in Downey
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $2,700. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,800 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $325 |
Leak Repair | $2,572 |
Stabilization | $4,426 |
Underpinning | $1,248 |
Waterproofing | $2,837 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Downey
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Downey?
What's the most popular foundation type in Downey?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
- Hairline cracks
- Discoloration or odors
- Flooding
- Plumbing leaks
- Mold and mildew
- Uneven floors
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Downey foundation repair services?
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)