Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Brookline
Foundation issues have some possible causes. Here are the top ones for Brookline residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Brookline 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.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Aging plumbing: Brookline has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1958. Many of these properties 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 encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is essential to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a quality foundation repair firm. Evaluate each firm using the following factors:
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 representatives to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, permit ordinances and inspection processes.
One of the easiest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to visit its website. Look for the company's years in business and the qualifications its team holds. Many well-known companies provide educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We advise checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a good 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. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company manages them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate well, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we encourage you to search additional sites, like Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Brookline
Foundation repair costs can vary substantially based on the extent of the problems and what needs to 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 destruction, the average cost will be around $3,000. More involved jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,900. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $349 |
Leak Repair | $2,803 |
Stabilization | $4,855 |
Underpinning | $1,338 |
Waterproofing | $3,096 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Brookline
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Brookline?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
What are the different types of foundations in Brookline?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Discoloration or odors
- Uneven floors
- Plumbing leaks
- Hairline cracks
- Mold and mildew
- Flooding
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)