Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Severn
A few typical reasons why Severn homeowners face foundation issues include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Severn gets, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Aging plumbing: While many Severn 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.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's integrity relies on its foundation. It's essential to choose the top professionals possible. Center your research on 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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how its team will draft plans and pull permits, how the company inspects foundations, and what local codes apply to your project.
Another way to evaluate a company's standing is to check 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
Before selecting a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Complaints don't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has resolved issues proactively and favorably. You should steer clear of a company with many negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Severn
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the scale of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the typical cost is about $2,900. More involved projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,900. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $346 |
Leak Repair | $2,775 |
Stabilization | $4,803 |
Underpinning | $1,327 |
Waterproofing | $3,065 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Severn
How much does foundation repair cost in Severn?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a crawlspace. Exterior waterproofing is generally less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and creating physical barriers between your foundation and yard.
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
Do Severn foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
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)