Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Odenton
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. Here are the most common ones for Odenton residents:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Odenton receives, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each contractor on your list about the following 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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how its team will draft plans and pull permits, what local codes apply to your project, and how the company inspects foundations.
One of the easiest ways to assess a company's reputation is to browse its website. Look for the company's years in business and what credentials its team holds. Many top companies provide educational content for future customers.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company manages them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has more negative reviews, and doesn't communicate effectively, 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 Odenton
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the scale of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is significant deterioration, the normal cost lands at about $3,800. More complex projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,200. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $430 |
Leak Repair | $3,581 |
Stabilization | $6,297 |
Underpinning | $1,641 |
Waterproofing | $3,969 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Odenton
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Odenton?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)