Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Livermore
A home in Livermore might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
- Aging plumbing: The average Livermore home construction year is 1982. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that results in your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's integrity depends greatly on its foundation. It's essential to select the most qualified crew possible. Focus your research on these attributes:
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, what local codes apply to your project, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
One of the easiest ways to assess a company's reputation is to browse its website. Look for how long the company has operated and the accreditations its team holds. Many leading companies provide educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
Before committing to a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB reviews also show how companies handle complaints. A proactive team that strives for excellent outcomes is a good one. Avoid a business if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Livermore
The price of your foundation repair project can differ quite significantly based on the scale of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the normal cost is about $3,300. More intricate projects requiring excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,000+. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $382 |
Leak Repair | $3,120 |
Stabilization | $5,443 |
Underpinning | $1,462 |
Waterproofing | $3,452 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Livermore
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Livermore?
What are the different types of foundations in Livermore?
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
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.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, 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.
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)