Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Arlington
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. These are the most widespread ones for Arlington residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Arlington receives, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: Arlington has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1945. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair business, you should think about what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you go through the process.
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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Inquire about its inspection processes, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
One of the best ways to assess a company's reputation is to browse its website. Look for the company's history and the qualifications its team holds. Many well-known companies publish educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We advise examining the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have shared satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has resolved issues favorably and proactively. You should stay away from a company with numerous negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Arlington
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable damage, the average cost will likely fall around $3,400. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,000 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $389 |
Leak Repair | $3,186 |
Stabilization | $5,565 |
Underpinning | $1,487 |
Waterproofing | $3,526 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Arlington
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Arlington?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing drains and sump pumps or using sealants around a basement. Exterior waterproofing is generally less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and forming physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)