Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Albany
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the top ones for Albany residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Albany experiences, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Aging plumbing: The average Albany home construction year is 1976. 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 encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that causes your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is vital to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a top-notch foundation repair firm. Assess each company using the following criteria:
Licensing and Experience
In Georgia, foundation companies may be licensed as general or specialty contractors. If a company holds a specialty license, it can only perform jobs within its Secretary of State-assigned classifications. Classifications are task-specific, including such specialties as concrete tilt-up, grading, and masonry. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how its team will draft plans and pull permits, how the company inspects foundations, and what local codes apply to your project.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Typically, a business will display how long it's been in the industry. It might also upload other content to assist potential clients.
Customer Reviews
We recommend examining the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have reported satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB reviews also show how companies address complaints. A responsive team that aims to achieve amicable outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a company if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Albany
Foundation repair costs can range quite widely based on the scale of the problems 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 damage, the average cost will be around $3,000. More intricate jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or extensive 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 | $355 |
Leak Repair | $2,857 |
Stabilization | $4,955 |
Underpinning | $1,359 |
Waterproofing | $3,157 |
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 Albany
How much does foundation repair cost in Albany?
How long does foundation repair usually take?
Do Albany 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 avoid water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for signs of damage, and fix any issues promptly.
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)