Common Causes of Foundation Problems in San Bernardino
A few typical reasons why San Bernardino homeowners deal with foundation woes include:
- Aging plumbing: The average San Bernardino home construction year is 1971. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's stability depends greatly on its foundation. It's important to select the top professionals possible. Focus your research on 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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the details its representatives share. Ask about its inspection processes, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
One of the best ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to browse its website. Look for how long the company has operated and what credentials its team holds. Many top companies provide educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has settled issues proactively and appropriately. You should stay away from a company with more negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in San Bernardino
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $2,800. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $335 |
Leak Repair | $2,672 |
Stabilization | $4,611 |
Underpinning | $1,287 |
Waterproofing | $2,949 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in San Bernardino
What will I pay to repair my foundation in San Bernardino?
What's the most popular foundation type in San Bernardino?
Do San Bernardino foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
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.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for cracks, and address any issues immediately.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)