Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Novato
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most widespread ones for Novato residents:
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Aging plumbing: The average Novato home construction year is 1974. 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: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that results in your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity depends greatly on its foundation. It's important to hire the top professionals possible. Focus your research on 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 information its team gives you. Inquire about its inspection processes, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to assess a company's standing is to examine 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 credibility, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Complaints don't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has fixed issues proactively and appropriately. You should steer clear of a company with more negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Novato
Foundation repair costs can range quite widely based on the degree of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is quite substantial deterioration, the average cost will be around $2,900. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,900. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $343 |
Leak Repair | $2,740 |
Stabilization | $4,737 |
Underpinning | $1,313 |
Waterproofing | $3,025 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Novato
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Novato?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
What's the most popular foundation type in Novato?
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)