Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in San Rafael, CA

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in San Rafael

A home in San Rafael might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:

• Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could result in your foundation settling.
• Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
• Aging plumbing: San Rafael has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1966. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

Choosing a foundation company doesn't have to be complicated. We encourage you to jot down what you desire most in a company, then evaluate each company on your shortlist against 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. Talk to representatives to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, inspection processes and building codes.

Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Typically, a company will mention how long it's been operating. It might also publish other content to assist 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 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 appropriately and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with numerous negative reviews, no credentials, and no communication regarding issues.

Foundation Repair Cost in San Rafael

The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve 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 $2,900. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.