Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Richmond
A few typical reasons why Richmond homeowners deal with foundation woes include:
- Aging plumbing: Richmond has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1963. Many of these properties use 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 completed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be a menace to your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be difficult. We encourage you to jot down what you want most in a provider, then evaluate each company on your list against these characteristics.
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 more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, permit ordinances and building codes.
One of the simplest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to find its website. Look for how long the company has operated and the accreditations its team holds. Many well-known companies provide educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Complaints don't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has resolved issues proactively and appropriately. You should steer clear of a company with many negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Richmond
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the extent of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is significant deterioration, the normal cost lands at about $3,200. More involved projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,000. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $370 |
Leak Repair | $3,009 |
Stabilization | $5,236 |
Underpinning | $1,418 |
Waterproofing | $3,327 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Richmond
How much does foundation repair cost in Richmond?
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to avoid 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 angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and fix any issues immediately.
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
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)