Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Bel Air South
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most prevalent ones for Bel Air South residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Bel Air South experiences, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that causes your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, 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 reliable foundation repair contractor. Evaluate each company using the following factors:
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 the details its representatives share. Ask about its inspection methods, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a business will discuss how long it's been in the industry. It might also share blog posts to assist prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. 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 avoid a company with many negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Bel Air South
The price of your foundation repair project can range widely based on the severity of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the normal cost is about $2,800. More involved projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800+. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $339 |
Leak Repair | $2,706 |
Stabilization | $4,674 |
Underpinning | $1,300 |
Waterproofing | $2,987 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Bel Air South
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Bel Air South?
Do Bel Air South foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews operate industrial machinery, 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)