Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Andover, MA

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Andover

A home in Andover might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:

• Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
• Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Andover receives, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
• Aging plumbing: The average Andover home construction year is 1968. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

Choosing a foundation provider doesn't have to be challenging. We encourage you to list what you expect most in a company, then evaluate each provider on your selection against these characteristics.

Licensing and Experience

According to the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, foundation repair companies need at least a Home Improvement Contractor license to work in the commonwealth. For larger jobs and work that requires subcontracting, they'll also need a Construction Supervisor's License. Talk to team members to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, permit ordinances and building codes.

Another way to measure a company's credibility is to examine 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

We recommend checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. 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 an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate properly, you should avoid working with it.

Lastly, we suggest you search different websites, like Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.

Foundation Repair Cost in Andover

The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is significant deterioration, the normal cost is about $3,200. More complex projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,000. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.