Common Causes of Foundation Problems in West Hartford
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for West Hartford residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall West Hartford receives, 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.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity relies on its foundation. It's crucial to hire the top professionals 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 how its team will draft plans and pull permits, what local codes apply to your project, and how the company inspects foundations.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Typically, a business will disclose how long it's been operating. It might also upload other content to assist prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, visit 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. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB reviews also show how companies address complaints. A proactive team that strives for amicable outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a business if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in West Hartford
Foundation repair costs can differ significantly based on the extent of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant damage, the typical cost will be around $2,900. More intricate jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,900. Below are 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 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Foundation Repair Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in West Hartford
What will I pay to repair my foundation in West Hartford?
What's the most popular foundation type in West Hartford?
How long does foundation repair usually take?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
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)