Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Bristol
Foundation issues have a few possible causes. Here are the top ones for Bristol residents:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Bristol receives, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Aging plumbing: Bristol has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1964. 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.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation contractor, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each contractor on your list about the following qualities.
Licensing and Experience
In Connecticut, foundation repair companies need at least a Home Improvement Contractor license from the Department of Consumer Protection for work valued at over $200. Applicants must prove that they have at least $20,000 in liability insurance. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through what its representatives say. Ask about its inspection methods, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Usually, a company will show how long it's been operating. It might also share other content to assist interested parties.
Customer Reviews
We suggest checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have shared satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB comments also show how companies address complaints. A responsive team that aims to achieve amicable outcomes is a good one. Avoid a company if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Bristol
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the normal cost lands at about $2,900. More intricate projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,900. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $347 |
Leak Repair | $2,785 |
Stabilization | $4,822 |
Underpinning | $1,331 |
Waterproofing | $3,076 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Bristol
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Bristol?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Mold and mildew
- Discoloration or odors
- Uneven floors
- Hairline cracks
- Plumbing leaks
- Flooding
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
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)