Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Germantown, MD

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Germantown

A home in Germantown might experience foundation issues for a variety of reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:

• Aging plumbing: While many Germantown homes are fairly new, some still 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 threaten your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
• Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done properly could result in your foundation settling.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

Choosing a foundation company doesn't have to be challenging. We encourage you to write down what you expect most in a company, then evaluate each contractor on your shortlist against these attributes.

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. Inquire about its inspection processes, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.

One of the simplest ways to assess a company's reputation is to explore its website. Look for the company's history and the accreditations its team holds. Many leading companies publish educational content for potential customers.

Customer Reviews

When you're researching a company's reputation, visit its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company manages them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate well, you should think twice about working with it.

Lastly, we suggest you search different websites, including Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.

Foundation Repair Cost in Germantown

The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is more significant damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,700. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,800 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.