Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Hartford
A home in Hartford might experience foundation issues for numerous reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Hartford gets, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Aging plumbing: Hartford has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1961. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's integrity weighs heavily on its foundation. It's important to choose the best team possible. Center your research on these attributes:
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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about what local codes apply to your project, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and how the company inspects foundations.
One of the most effective ways to assess a company's reputation is to visit its website. Look for how long the company has operated and the qualifications its team holds. Many top companies publish educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We suggest examining the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a good 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. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company manages them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate well, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we recommend you search additional sites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Hartford
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is more significant deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $2,900. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900 or more. This table shows 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 Hartford
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Hartford?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews use industrial machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or vibrations. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
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)