Common Causes of Foundation Problems in San Mateo
A home in San Mateo might experience foundation issues for multiple reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:
- Aging plumbing: San Mateo has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1965. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't protect.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that causes your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To pick a foundation repair contractor, you should think about what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you go through 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 staff to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, permit ordinances and building codes.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Usually, a business will mention how long it's been in the industry. It might also share articles to assist prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. 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 favorably. You should steer clear of a company with numerous negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in San Mateo
The price of your foundation repair project can vary substantially based on the extent of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant damage, the normal cost falls at about $2,900. More complex projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900+. Below are 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 San Mateo
How much does foundation repair cost in San Mateo?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
How long does foundation repair usually take?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for cracks, and address any issues promptly.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)