Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Trumbull
A home in Trumbull might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Aging plumbing: Trumbull 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, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Trumbull gets, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be complicated. We encourage you to jot down what you expect most in a company, then evaluate each provider on your selection against these characteristics.
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 the details its representatives share. Ask about its inspection methods, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will discuss how long it's been operating. It might also upload other content to assist potential clients.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company manages them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, shows more negative reviews than positive ones, and doesn't communicate well, you should avoid working with it.
Finally, we encourage you to search additional sites, like Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in Trumbull
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 cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is more significant damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,600. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,800 or more. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $318 |
Leak Repair | $2,506 |
Stabilization | $4,304 |
Underpinning | $1,222 |
Waterproofing | $2,763 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Trumbull
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Trumbull?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
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 expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for signs of damage, and address any issues promptly.
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
That said, foundation repair crews use industrial machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or tremors. 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)