Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Hawthorne
Foundation issues have some possible causes. Here are the top ones for Hawthorne residents:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: Hawthorne has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1959. 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: Standing water around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that results in your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's stability weighs heavily on its foundation. It's crucial to select the top professionals possible. Center your research on these features:
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 methods, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to gauge a company's reputation is to check 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
When you're researching a company's reputation, visit its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB reviews also show how companies resolve complaints. A responsive team that works toward excellent outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a contractor if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Hawthorne
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the average cost is about $2,700. More involved projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,800. Below are 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 Hawthorne
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Hawthorne?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
Do Hawthorne foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
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 prevent water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and repair any issues immediately.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)