Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Potomac
A few frequent reasons why Potomac homeowners encounter foundation woes include:
- Aging plumbing: The average Potomac home construction year is 1971. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing 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 gutters don't cover.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is essential to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a reliable foundation repair company. Assess each contractor using the following factors:
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 team members to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, building codes and inspection processes.
One of the best ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to go to its website. Look for how long the company has operated and the accreditations its team holds. Many top companies provide 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 "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a good sign if the company has fixed issues favorably and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with numerous negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Potomac
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the normal cost falls at about $2,700. More intricate projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $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 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Foundation Repair Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Potomac
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Potomac?
What's the most popular foundation type in Potomac?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a crawlspace. Outdoor waterproofing is generally less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and creating physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
How long does foundation repair usually take?
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)
