Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Waterbury
A few frequent reasons why Waterbury homeowners face foundation issues include:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Waterbury gets, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Aging plumbing: Waterbury has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1959. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To select a foundation repair company, you should think about what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you navigate the process.
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 how the company inspects foundations, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and what local codes apply to your project.
Another way to gauge a company's standing is to check its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade accreditations. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, check out its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. The BBB shows how companies handle complaints. A proactive team that aims to achieve positive outcomes is a good one. Avoid a company if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Waterbury
The price of your foundation repair project can range widely based on the scale of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation cracking and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the normal cost is about $3,000. More intricate projects requiring excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900+. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $355 |
Leak Repair | $2,861 |
Stabilization | $4,962 |
Underpinning | $1,360 |
Waterproofing | $3,161 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Waterbury
How much does foundation repair cost in Waterbury?
What are the different types of foundations in Waterbury?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
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)