Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Essex, MD

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Essex

Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for Essex residents:

• Aging plumbing: Essex has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1965. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
• Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn'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 cracks, and may create stress that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

To choose a foundation repair company, you should consider what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you navigate the process.

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 information its team gives you. Ask about its inspection methods, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.

Another way to determine a company's credibility is to examine 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

We suggest checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have shared satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. The BBB shows how companies resolve complaints. A responsive team that aims to achieve amicable outcomes is a good one. Avoid a company if you don't see effective communication about problems.

Foundation Repair Cost in Essex

The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the scale of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the normal cost is about $2,800. More complex projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,800. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.