Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Haverhill
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most common ones for Haverhill residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Haverhill 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 keep dry.
- Aging plumbing: Haverhill has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1960. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation contractor, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each provider on your list about the following qualities.
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 its team will draft plans and pull permits, and how the company inspects foundations.
One of the most effective ways to assess a company's reputation is to go to its website. Look for the company's years in business and the accreditations its team holds. Many leading companies offer educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Negative feedback doesn'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 certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Haverhill
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the degree of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is substantial damage, the normal cost falls at about $3,200. More involved projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,000. This table shows 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 Haverhill
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Haverhill?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
What are the different types of foundations in Haverhill?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)