Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Washington
A home in Washington might experience foundation issues for multiple reasons. Some are unique 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 Washington gets, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average Washington home construction year is 1969. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair contractor, you should consider what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you go through the process.
Licensing and Experience
You can also get a sense of a company's experience through what its representatives say. Inquire about its inspection methods, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to gauge a company's standing is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade accreditations. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company handles them. If the management team consistently and proactively 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.
Lastly, we recommend you search other platforms, including Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in Washington
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly based on the scale 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 average cost will be around $2,800. More involved jobs involving digging, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $6,800. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $339 |
Leak Repair | $2,706 |
Stabilization | $4,674 |
Underpinning | $1,300 |
Waterproofing | $2,987 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Washington
How much does foundation repair cost in Washington?
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Do Washington foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)