Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Bethesda
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the top ones for Bethesda residents:
- Aging plumbing: Bethesda 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 to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation provider doesn't have to be complicated. We encourage you to jot down what you expect most in a contractor, then evaluate each company on your shortlist against these qualities.
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. Talk to staff to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, building codes and permit ordinances.
Another way to determine a company's reputation is to look at its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade accreditations. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
Before selecting a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company responds to them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate properly, you should avoid working with it.
Finally, we encourage you to search different websites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Bethesda
The price of your foundation repair project can range widely depending 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 significant deterioration, the typical cost falls at about $2,700. More complex projects requiring digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800+. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $327 |
Leak Repair | $2,588 |
Stabilization | $4,456 |
Underpinning | $1,254 |
Waterproofing | $2,855 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Bethesda
How much does foundation repair cost in Bethesda?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
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)