Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in New Bedford, MA

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in New Bedford

A home in New Bedford 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 New Bedford experiences, 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.
• Standing water: Standing water around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
• Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
• Aging plumbing: The average New Bedford home construction year is 1966. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
• Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

Choosing a foundation company doesn't have to be complicated. We encourage you to list what you want most in a company, then evaluate each provider on your list against these attributes.

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. Typically, a business will mention how long it's been in the industry. It might also upload other content to help potential clients.

Customer Reviews

We suggest reviewing the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has resolved issues favorably and proactively. You should avoid a company with more negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.

Foundation Repair Cost in New Bedford

The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $2,600. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,800 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.