Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Cambridge, MA

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Cambridge

Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for Cambridge residents:

• Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
• Aging plumbing: The average Cambridge home construction year is 1974. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
• Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Cambridge experiences, 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 stay dry.
• Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done properly could lead to your foundation settling.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that results in your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.

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 list of criteria to help you steer 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. Talk to team members to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, building codes and permit ordinances.

Another way to determine a company's standing is to check 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, visit its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB comments also show how companies address complaints. A responsive team that aims to achieve amicable outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a business if you don't see effective communication about problems.

Foundation Repair Cost in Cambridge

Foundation repair costs can vary substantially based on the extent of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the normal cost will be around $3,400. More involved jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $7,000. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.