Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Lancaster
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. These are the most prevalent ones for Lancaster residents:
- Aging plumbing: While many Lancaster homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that causes your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair business, you should consider 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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about what local codes apply to your project, how the company inspects foundations, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Typically, a business will mention how long it's been in business. It might also publish other content to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
We recommend looking into the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have shared satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB comments also show how companies address complaints. A proactive team that strives for positive outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a business if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Lancaster
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the extent of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the normal cost falls at about $2,700. More intricate projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,800. See below 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 Lancaster
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Lancaster?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for signs of damage, and address any issues promptly.
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)