Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Annapolis, MD

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Annapolis

A few typical reasons why Annapolis homeowners deal with foundation woes include:

• Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Annapolis receives, 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 stay dry.
• Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done properly could lead to your foundation settling.
• Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
• Aging plumbing: Annapolis has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1966. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

Your home's foundation is essential to its stability, so it's important to work with a top-notch foundation repair firm. Assess each company using the following criteria:

Licensing and Experience

In Maryland, the state Department of Labor licenses all foundation repair companies. There are strict requirements to get and keep a license. Business owners must have two years of industry experience, pass a trade exam, submit business filings and proof of insurance, and clear a financial audit. Subcontractors working your foundation job don't need a license if they're working for a licensed contractor. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through what its representatives say. Inquire about its inspection methods, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.

Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Usually, a company will disclose how long it's been in the industry. It might also upload articles to assist potential clients.

Customer Reviews

Before signing a contract with a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB reviews also show how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that strives for positive outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a contractor if you don't see clear communication about problems.

Foundation Repair Cost in Annapolis

The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable damage, the normal cost falls at about $3,800. More intricate projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,200. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.