Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Westchester
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. Here are the most common ones for Westchester residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Westchester experiences, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average Westchester home construction year is 1969. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each provider on your list about the following qualities.
Licensing and Experience
Florida's contractor licensing system is rather unique. The state's Department of Business and Professional Regulation issues "certified" contractor licenses in building, general contracting, and residential construction that foundation companies must earn. There are also "registered" licenses issued at a local level. Talk to staff to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, permit ordinances and building codes.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will mention how long it's been in the industry. It might also upload other content to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
Before selecting a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has settled issues favorably and proactively. You should avoid a company with more negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Westchester
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the average cost falls at about $2,500. More complex projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,700. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $309 |
Leak Repair | $2,415 |
Stabilization | $4,134 |
Underpinning | $1,186 |
Waterproofing | $2,660 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Westchester
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Westchester?
How long does foundation repair usually take?
Do Westchester foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and fix any issues immediately.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)