Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Palo Alto
Foundation issues have a few possible causes. Here are the top ones for Palo Alto residents:
- Aging plumbing: The average Palo Alto home construction year is 1970. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To pick 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. Talk to representatives to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, inspection processes and permit ordinances.
Another way to measure a company's standing is to look at 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 standing, check out its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. The BBB shows how companies resolve complaints. A responsive team that strives for excellent outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a company if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Palo Alto
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the severity of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is significant deterioration, the average cost falls at about $3,300. More involved projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,000+. Below are 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 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Foundation Repair Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Palo Alto
How much does foundation repair cost in Palo Alto?
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
Do Palo Alto foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
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)