Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Lewiston
A few frequent reasons why Lewiston homeowners deal with foundation woes include:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Lewiston 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 keep dry.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To pick a foundation repair business, you should think about what's most important to you. Use this list of criteria to help you go through the process.
Licensing and Experience
Save for strict written contract requirements, Maine doesn't regulate foundation repair companies at the state level. Cities, counties, and regional building districts can issue licenses and (to an extent) set building codes for contractors to follow. We recommend consulting your local officials for more information on laws, regulations, and ordinances before signing any contract. You should also follow the Maine Attorney General's home construction advice. Talk to representatives to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, building codes and permit ordinances.
One of the simplest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to visit its website. Look for the company's history and what credentials its team holds. Many leading companies offer educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has settled issues proactively and appropriately. You should stay away from a company with more negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Lewiston
Foundation repair costs can range quite widely 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 quite substantial damage, the normal cost will be around $2,500. More intricate jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,700. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $304 |
Leak Repair | $2,371 |
Stabilization | $4,053 |
Underpinning | $1,169 |
Waterproofing | $2,611 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Lewiston
How much does foundation repair cost in Lewiston?
How long does foundation repair usually take?
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
That said, foundation repair crews operate heavy equipment, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or vibrations. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
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)