Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Beverly
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. These are the most prevalent ones for Beverly residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't cover.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Beverly experiences, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's integrity weighs heavily on its foundation. It's essential to hire the top professionals possible. Center your research on these features:
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 details its representatives share. Ask about its inspection methods, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to gauge a company's standing is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade accreditations. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. 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 settled issues appropriately and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with more negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Beverly
The price of your foundation repair project can vary substantially depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is substantial damage, the normal cost is about $3,200. More involved projects requiring excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,000+. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $378 |
Leak Repair | $3,083 |
Stabilization | $5,373 |
Underpinning | $1,447 |
Waterproofing | $3,410 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Beverly
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)