Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Fall River
A home in Fall River 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 plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Fall River experiences, the soil soaks up 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.
- Aging plumbing: The average Fall River home construction year is 1975. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is vital to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a reliable foundation repair company. Evaluate each provider using the following criteria:
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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how the company inspects foundations, what local codes apply to your project, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
One of the most effective ways to assess a company's reputation is to explore its website. Look for the company's years in business and what credentials its team holds. Many well-known companies publish educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has fixed issues proactively and appropriately. You should stay away from a company with many negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Fall River
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the degree of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant damage, the typical cost falls at about $2,600. More complex projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,800. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $314 |
Leak Repair | $2,468 |
Stabilization | $4,234 |
Underpinning | $1,207 |
Waterproofing | $2,721 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Fall River
How much does foundation repair cost in Fall River?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Fall River foundation repair services?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and fix any issues promptly.
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)