Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Leominster
Some typical reasons why Leominster homeowners face foundation problems include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Leominster gets, 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: Leominster has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1958. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is crucial to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a trustworthy 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.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Usually, a company will mention how long it's been operating. It might also share articles to assist prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
Before selecting a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. 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, has more negative reviews, and doesn't communicate properly, you should avoid working with it.
Finally, we recommend you search additional sites, including Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in Leominster
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is more significant deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $2,900. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $342 |
Leak Repair | $2,738 |
Stabilization | $4,733 |
Underpinning | $1,312 |
Waterproofing | $3,023 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Leominster
How much does foundation repair cost in Leominster?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Discoloration or odors
- Plumbing leaks
- Flooding
- Uneven floors
- Hairline cracks
- Mold and mildew
How long does foundation repair usually take?
Do Leominster foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
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)