Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Lowell
Some common reasons why Lowell homeowners face foundation woes 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.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Aging plumbing: Lowell has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1965. 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 encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that results in your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's integrity weighs heavily on its foundation. It's essential to select the most qualified crew possible. Focus your research on these 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 details its representatives share. Inquire about its inspection methods, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
One of the simplest ways to assess a company's reputation is to explore its website. Look for the company's years in business and the qualifications its team holds. Many well-known companies provide educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with 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. You want to discover how a company responds to them. If the management team consistently and proactively 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 suggest you search different websites, like Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Lowell
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially based on the severity of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation cracking and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is substantial damage, the normal cost falls at about $3,400. More involved projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,000+. This table shows 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 Lowell
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Lowell?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
Do Lowell 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)