Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Framingham
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for Framingham residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly 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 gutter system doesn't protect.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Framingham receives, the soil soaks up 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.
- Aging plumbing: Framingham has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1962. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair company, you should determine 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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about what local codes apply to your project, how the company inspects foundations, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
One of the easiest ways to assess a company's reputation is to explore its website. Look for how long the company has operated and the accreditations its team holds. Many top companies provide educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
Before selecting a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Complaints don'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 appropriately and proactively. You should avoid a company with more negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Framingham
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $3,400. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,000 or more. See below 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 Framingham
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Framingham?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
What's the most popular foundation type in Framingham?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Mold and mildew
- Hairline cracks
- Flooding
- Plumbing leaks
- Uneven floors
- Discoloration or odors
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)