Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in West Haven, CT

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in West Haven

Foundation issues have a few possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for West Haven residents:

• Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall West Haven experiences, the soil soaks up 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.
• Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
• Standing water: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
• Aging plumbing: West Haven has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1957. 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.
• Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed properly could result in your foundation settling.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

To pick a foundation repair business, you should consider what's most important to you. Use this list of criteria 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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the details its representatives share. Ask about its inspection processes, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.

Another way to assess a company's credibility is to look at its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade credentials. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.

Customer Reviews

When you're researching a company's standing, 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. Complaints don't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a good sign if the company has fixed issues favorably and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with more negative reviews, no credentials, and no communication regarding issues.

Foundation Repair Cost in West Haven

The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly depending on the scale 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 considerable deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $3,000. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,900 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.