Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Maine
A few common reasons why Maine homeowners experience foundation problems include:
- Aging plumbing: Maine has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1964. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.
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
Illinois doesn't issue contractor licenses at the state level, but larger cities in the Land of Lincoln will usually have their own licensing requirements and exams. We recommend contacting your local government office for more information before you begin your company search. Talk to team members to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, inspection processes and permit ordinances.
One of the simplest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to go to its website. Look for the company's years in business and the accreditations its team holds. Many well-known companies offer educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We recommend reviewing the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a high customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have shared satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB comments also show how companies handle complaints. A proactive team that aims to achieve positive outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a business if you don't see effective communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Maine
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the average cost lands at about $3,800. More intricate projects requiring excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,200+. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $431 |
Leak Repair | $3,591 |
Stabilization | $6,315 |
Underpinning | $1,645 |
Waterproofing | $3,980 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Maine
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Maine?
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Do Maine 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)