Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Bowie, MD

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Bowie

A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most widespread ones for Bowie residents:

• Aging plumbing: While many Bowie homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
• Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Bowie 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.
• Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
• Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't reach.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be difficult. We encourage you to list what you desire most in a contractor, then evaluate each provider on your shortlist against these characteristics.

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. Ask about its inspection methods, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.

One of the simplest ways to assess a company's reputation is to find its website. Look for the company's history and what credentials its team holds. Many prominent companies offer educational content for prospective customers.

Customer Reviews

When you're researching a company's reputation, check out 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. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB comments also show how companies address complaints. A responsive team that works toward positive outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a business if you don't see clear communication about problems.

Foundation Repair Cost in Bowie

The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $2,800. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800 or more. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.