Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Silver Spring
A home in Silver Spring might experience foundation issues for multiple reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average Silver Spring home construction year is 1967. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To pick a foundation repair contractor, you should think about what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you go through 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 what its representatives say. Ask about its inspection processes, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
One of the best ways to assess a company's reputation is to go to its website. Look for the company's history and what credentials its team holds. Many prominent companies offer educational content for future customers.
Customer Reviews
Before selecting a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a good 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 Silver Spring
The cost of foundation repair can vary substantially based on the degree of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is quite substantial damage, the typical cost will be around $2,700. More involved jobs involving digging, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Silver Spring
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Silver Spring?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews operate industrial machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or tremors. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
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)
