Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Holyoke
A home in Holyoke might experience foundation issues for a variety of reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Holyoke receives, the soil absorbs 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.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Aging plumbing: Holyoke has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1947. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation repair company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each company 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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Ask about its inspection methods, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Typically, a business will disclose how long it's been in the industry. It might also share articles to assist potential clients.
Customer Reviews
Before committing to a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company manages them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, shows more negative reviews than positive ones, and doesn't communicate well, you should avoid working with it.
Lastly, we encourage you to search additional sites, like Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in Holyoke
The price of your foundation repair project can vary substantially depending on the scale of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the average cost is about $3,100. More intricate projects requiring digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900+. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $359 |
Leak Repair | $2,901 |
Stabilization | $5,036 |
Underpinning | $1,376 |
Waterproofing | $3,206 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Holyoke
How much does foundation repair cost in Holyoke?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Hairline cracks
- Discoloration or odors
- Uneven floors
- Mold and mildew
- Plumbing leaks
- Flooding
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
That said, foundation repair crews operate industrial machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or tremors. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
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)